OCTOBER 2, 2024, GANGWON STATE, SOUTH KOREA – The Philippine delegation represented by the employees of the Iloilo Provincial Government received the Best Action Plan award during the Eco-Cultural Training for Local Activation organized by the International Urban Training Center (IUTC) in partnership with UN-Habitat.
The event held from September 24 to October 3, 2024, at Gangwon State, South Korea gathered public officers and experts from six Asian countries namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to develop actionable solutions for achieving sustainable development through eco-cultural tourism.
The team from Iloilo is composed of Atty. Arturo C. Cangrejo, Provincial Government Assistant Department Head; Ma. Krista S. Heberola, EnP, Planning Officer II; Jemar Harold G. Jison, Population Program Officer I; Louine Hope U. Conserva, Community Affairs III; and Ma. Celerina Marmel M. Caldera, Administrative Officer V/Executive Assistant.
The Iloilo team crafted a comprehensive action plan entitled, “MoRProGRes ILOILO, More in Carles” to promote sustainable tourism in Northern Iloilo which serves as the resort destination in the province. Their proposal was recognized for integrating social, economic, and environmental approaches in preserving the sustainability of tourism in Northern Iloilo, particularly on Gigantes Island.
Northern Iloilo, comprised of the municipalities in the fifth district, boasts preserved island beaches, pristine water, and white sand resorts.
Prof. Han Yu Hyoung of Gangwon National University lauded the team for incorporating approaches to fill in the gaps in the tourism sector in Northern Iloilo, particularly on accessibility from the airport to the seaport.
“I like how you are specific with your action plan. It was like I was brought to Iloilo,” she said.
The 10-day training delved into the sharing of approaches and best practices of Gangwon State and South Korea in creating sustainable cities and ecologically sound communities through strategic planning and sustainable urbanization policies.
The lectures underscored the importance of developing local communities and resources to balance development and sustainability.
Prof. Kim Young Pyo of the Catholic Kwandong University Department of Tourism and Management presented several ways to improve eco-tourism such as preserving local food, organizing traditional heritage tours, and establishing road networks to improve connectivity.
The delegates also underwent cultural immersion by experiencing leaf printing and art-making using the traditional Korean paper called Hanji. They also learned about the conflict on the Korean peninsula through a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), an area that separates North Korea and South Korea.
IUTC was established in 2007 in partnership with Gangwon State and UN-Habitat and serves as a training hub for developing countries.
IUTC President Kwang Soo Yoo said that as leaders of the communities, the delegates shall serve as movers of sustainable regional development.
“This training is not just for you. Please share the knowledge and practices you have learned in your institutions and colleagues. I look forward to you making a small change in your cities and regions,” he said. (Capitol News)
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