Did you know that small villages in Cordillera are now becoming popular travel destinations? One of them is La Diyang Haven in Tuba, Benguet. Before, it was just a simple eco-tourism spot. But now, thanks to a tourism competition, more nearby villages have joined in, making it an even better place to visit!
A Magical Nature Experience
When tourists visit these villages, they don’t just see nature – they become part of it! Imagine walking through a beautiful forest, eating fruits and vegetables fresh from the ground, and enjoying a healthy farm-to-table meal made with love by the locals.
Delicious Local Food
Visitors also get to taste unique dishes like “watwat” (boiled meat) and “pinuneg” (blood sausage), which are traditional foods of the Ibaloi tribe in Benguet.
A Peek Into Indigenous Culture
If tourists visit at the right time, they will see Ibaloi dancers in their colorful traditional clothes performing their cultural dances! This helps people learn and appreciate the rich traditions of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the area.
The Search for the Best Tourism Village
To encourage more villages to join, the Department of Tourism in the Cordillera (DOT-CAR) created a special contest called “The Best Tourism Village”. Every year, villages compete to see who offers the best tourism experience. The winner receives PHP 1 million to improve their village even more!
From 12 Villages to 19—and Counting!
The competition started in 2023 with only 12 villages, but in 2024, 19 villages participated. For 2025, DOT-CAR is expecting even more villages to join before the June 2025 deadline.
Why This Matters
Tourism isn’t just about having fun. It helps local communities earn money, keeps traditions alive, and makes people more aware of the beauty of nature and culture. The more villages open their doors to visitors, the more people will discover the amazing places hidden in the Cordillera mountains!
Would you love to visit these peaceful nature spots? 
