ILIGAN VISION 2050
PILLAR #11: DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM, CULTURE, AND TRADITION IN ILIGAN
Iligan City, known as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” sits at the heart of Northern Mindanao with abundant natural resources, a rich cultural history, and significant tourism potential. However, despite these blessings, the city continues to lag behind other destinations in the region when it comes to tourism development. Pillar #11 of the Iligan Vision 2050, titled “Development of Tourism, Culture, and Tradition in Iligan – A Vision by Roy Ga,” aims to address the many challenges faced by the sector and lays out a roadmap for transformation.
This pillar envisions an Iligan that thrives through inclusive tourism development, celebration of its diverse cultures, and protection of its rich traditions and environmental resources. The strategy proposed by Roy Ga is built on the foundation of sustainability, accessibility, and community empowerment. It highlights key areas such as infrastructure development, digital tourism integration, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage preservation.
The Tourism Potential of Iligan
Iligan is a city blessed with natural beauty. With over 20 waterfalls, mountain ranges, rivers, springs, and nearby beaches, it is uniquely positioned to become a premier eco-tourism hub in the Philippines. Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, and Mimbalot Falls are just some of the renowned natural attractions that hold the potential to attract local and international tourists alike.
Additionally, the people of Iligan represent a diverse mix of cultures – including Maranao, Cebuano, Higaonon, and other indigenous groups – each with unique traditions, crafts, dances, and stories. The city’s culture and heritage, from traditional weaves and delicacies to festivals such as Diyandi Festival and the feast of St. Michael, offer unique experiences for cultural tourism development.
However, potential is not enough. Without the right support, investment, and strategy, tourism in Iligan will continue to be underutilized. That is where Vision 2050 comes into play.
Current Challenges in Tourism Development
- Lack of Infrastructure
One of the main barriers to tourism in Iligan is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Many of the city’s most beautiful and remote spots are difficult to reach due to poor road conditions. For example, Dodiongan Falls, while breathtaking, is inaccessible to many due to the state of the roads and lack of proper signage. This makes travel uncomfortable and deters tourists from exploring the area fully.
- Unintegrated Tourism Systems
Iligan lacks a centralized tourism platform or guide system. Tourists often rely on word of mouth or social media to discover destinations, which results in an uneven experience and missed opportunities. The absence of updated websites, mobile applications, and QR-based guide systems makes navigating and enjoying Iligan harder for visitors.
- Environmental Degradation
Environmental sustainability is also a major issue. The runoff from the Central Materials Recovery Facility (CMRF) near Dodiongan Falls, for example, is not only polluting the water but also damaging the natural landscape. Without urgent intervention, Iligan risks losing some of its best attractions due to pollution and neglect.
- Limited Support for Local Businesses and Culture
The tourism industry in Iligan is still largely informal, and there is little support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of the tourism economy. Local craftspeople, guides, and food vendors often work without training, financial support, or visibility.
Likewise, the preservation of cultural landmarks, oral history, and traditional practices receives minimal attention. As a result, valuable aspects of Iliganon identity are being lost.
Roy Ga’s Vision: A Sustainable Tourism Ecosystem
Roy Ga’s approach to revitalizing tourism in Iligan focuses on building a sustainable tourism ecosystem that brings long-term economic, cultural, and environmental benefits to the city and its people.
- Infrastructure Modernization
Key to this transformation is investment in road improvement projects connecting major tourist spots to the city center. Strategic planning must involve national agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure holistic upgrades including better road lighting, transport hubs, and eco-friendly shuttle systems.
- Smart and Inclusive Tourism
In line with the digital age, Iligan must embrace smart tourism practices. This includes:
- Developing a mobile app that features a full directory of attractions, homestays, tours, and transportation options.
- Installation of interactive kiosks and QR codes at heritage sites.
- Social media marketing campaigns targeting both local and international tourists.
The app can also be used to promote local products, track tourist movement for safety, and gather data for analytics and planning.
- Environmental Stewardship
To protect the city’s natural resources, the Vision proposes the establishment of an Environmental Protection Task Force (EPTF) that will regulate and monitor tourist activities, enforce zoning regulations, and manage waste in tourist zones. Programs like “Adopt a Waterfall” and “Clean and Green Iligan” can involve the private sector, schools, and civic groups in maintaining environmental integrity.
Sustainable tourism training for guides and local operators must also be prioritized, alongside stricter rules on waste management and penalties for violators.
- Cultural Renaissance
Cultural revitalization involves documenting and promoting indigenous languages, music, dances, oral literature, and crafts. Roy Ga proposes a “Kultura sa Iligan” Center – a cultural village and museum where tourists can witness live performances, buy authentic crafts, and learn about local traditions. This facility can serve as a learning center and also a tourism hotspot.
Furthermore, cultural mapping initiatives and heritage conservation programs should be supported by local ordinances to protect old churches, ancestral houses, and indigenous landmarks.
Empowering the Local Community
Tourism development is most effective when it empowers the local population. As such, the vision includes capacity-building programs for community-based tourism, including training in hospitality, language, sustainable practices, and entrepreneurship.
MSMEs, from souvenir vendors to tour guides and local accommodation providers, should receive financial and technical assistance from LGUs and national agencies. Loan programs, marketing support, and cooperative formation can ensure these businesses thrive.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged to invest in the development of eco-resorts, cultural centers, and other tourism-related infrastructure. These partnerships can help build modern yet culturally rooted facilities that will elevate Iligan’s tourism profile.
Measuring Success: Indicators and Benchmarks
To ensure that the vision is on track, key performance indicators (KPIs) must be established. These may include:
- Annual number of tourist arrivals (domestic and foreign)
- Increase in tourism-related employment
- Number of registered tourism MSMEs
- Growth in cultural event attendance
- Environmental quality index for key natural sites
- Volume of local products sold through tourism channels
Monitoring tools must be put in place to regularly evaluate the success and adjust strategies accordingly.
Tourism Events and Promotion
Reviving and expanding tourism events such as the Diyandi Festival is crucial. Roy Ga recommends that the festival calendar be extended beyond September, including:
- A Waterfalls Festival (promoting waterfall tours, photo competitions)
- A Heritage Walk Week (historical site tours, storytelling events)
- An Iligan Arts Month (highlighting visual arts, music, and theater)
Such events will not only attract visitors but also build pride among locals.
The city must also maintain an active presence in travel expos and work with bloggers, vloggers, and travel influencers to boost online visibility.
Conclusion
The development of tourism, culture, and tradition in Iligan is not merely about attracting visitors—it’s about building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city. Through the bold and thoughtful proposals of Roy Ga under Pillar #11 of Iligan Vision 2050, the city has a clear path forward.
By investing in infrastructure, empowering local communities, embracing digital solutions, protecting the environment, and reviving cultural heritage, Iligan can become a leading destination in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The journey to 2050 is long, but with determination, collaboration, and vision, Iligan can truly shine as a beacon of tourism excellence—where every waterfall tells a story, every street echoes tradition, and every visitor leaves with a sense of wonder.