Revival of home industries & domestic tourism seen

CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur – The revival of the home industries in this province like the making of bolo, tamborine (gold necklace), silleta and other traditional Ilocano products was recently discussed during the Consultation Meeting on the Tourism Development of North Luzon conducted by North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Area-Program Management Office (NLGQA-PMO).

The idea is not only to generate income and livelihood for the residents but also to produce products for sale to tourists during their trip in the province.

Outgoing Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano recently said the new generation is being encouraged to learn the skills of making traditional Ilocano products. He also mentioned that in support to this industry, they are extending assistance like hospitalization and medicines to senior citizens who are still manufacturing traditional products.

Savellano said that the province is now prioritizing domestic tourism over foreign, a program of the government to patronize first their own local product before others.

"The province is getting more benefits from domestic tourists through their spending on local products as compared with foreigners that spend only for basic commodities," added Savellano.