BAGUIO CITY — Interagency efforts to invest in human capital have helped sustain growth in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority-CAR in October 2024, the region’s employment rate was 97.7%, higher than the national average (96.1%), with the services sector being the primary source of employment.

The tourism sector accounts for a significant share of employment figures.

«Given the high demand for skilled workers in the industry, we continue to assist stakeholders in upskilling and reskilling personnel. We must not only improve service standards but also enhance worker qualifications to provide better opportunities as the industry grows,» she said.

The pandemic did not hinder the sector’s development, as stakeholders used the time to upgrade facilities and train workers in the «Filipino brand of service.»

In 2024, over 20,000 workers underwent training to enhance products and services.

«Tourism creates livelihoods, providing both formal and informal employment,» she added.

Training is not limited to hotel and restaurant workers but also includes taxi drivers, seniors preparing to work as guides, and police personnel.

«We must know how to handle tourists and assist them to ensure they have a positive experience in Baguio and the entire region,» she said.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has also joined the initiative by offering more scholarships for tourism-related skills, utilizing its PHP500 million allocation for CAR.

Training programs included food and beverage services, bed-making, cooking, baking, housekeeping, front office operations, organic agriculture, coffee production, agripreneurship, weaving, and others.

Over 66,000 individuals from all six provinces and two cities in the region—Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Tabuk City, and Baguio City—have benefited from these scholarships.

TESDA-CAR reported that as of November 30, 2024, the certification rate among scholars was 91.94%.

The region has about 1.3 million people of working age, with around 64% being part of the labor force.

Baguio City remains the top destination for tourists, but efforts continue to promote other areas offering diverse attractions such as culture and arts, nature, and gastronomy.

The average number of tourist arrivals ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 per week, with over 70% occurring on weekends. During peak seasons like Holy Week and Christmas, numbers can double, reaching up to 60,000.

Cordillera Administrative Region

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is a mountainous region in northern Luzon, Philippines, known for its stunning landscapes, rich indigenous cultures, and the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, often called the «Eighth Wonder of the World.» Inhabited primarily by ethnic groups like the Igorot, the region has a history of resistance against colonization, preserving its traditions and autonomy. Established as an administrative region in 1987, CAR is celebrated for its biodiversity, vibrant festivals, and UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.

Besao

Besao is a mountainous municipality in the Philippines, located in the province of Mountain Province. It is known for its rich indigenous culture, primarily of the Kankanaey people, and its stunning terraced rice fields, which reflect traditional farming practices. Historically, Besao was part of the larger Sagada region and played a role in local trade and resistance during colonial periods.

Mountain Province

Mountain Province is a landlocked region in the northern Philippines, known for its stunning Cordillera mountains, rich indigenous culture, and UNESCO-listed rice terraces in Banaue and Batad. Historically, it was home to the Igorot people, who built the ancient terraces over 2,000 years ago. Today, it preserves traditional practices, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes that attract trekkers and cultural enthusiasts.

Baguio City

Baguio City, known as the «Summer Capital of the Philippines,» is a mountainous retreat established by American colonizers in the early 1900s as a cool-weather getaway. It features iconic sites like Burnham Park and Session Road, blending American colonial architecture with indigenous Igorot culture. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination for its cool climate, vibrant festivals like the Panagbenga Flower Festival, and rich cultural heritage.

Abra

Abra is a province in the northern Philippines, known for its rugged mountains, vibrant indigenous cultures, and historical significance. It was once a center of resistance during Spanish colonization and is home to the Tingguian people, who have preserved their traditional customs and crafts. Today, Abra offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks, such as the old Spanish-era churches and the scenic Abra River.

Apayao

Apayao is a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, known for its rugged mountains, lush forests, and rich indigenous culture. Historically, it was part of the larger Mountain Province before becoming an independent province in 1995. The region is home to the Isnag and other ethnic groups, who maintain traditional practices and a deep connection to their ancestral lands.

Benguet

Benguet is a mountainous province in the northern Philippines, known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and rich indigenous culture. It is home to the city of Baguio, a popular summer destination, and the UNESCO-listed **Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras**, which showcase centuries-old farming traditions of the Igorot people. The province’s history is deeply tied to its indigenous communities, who have maintained their customs and terraced farming techniques for generations.

Ifugao

Ifugao is a mountainous province in the northern Philippines, renowned for its ancient rice terraces, often called the «Eighth Wonder of the World.» These terraces, carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the indigenous Ifugao people, reflect their advanced agricultural techniques and deep cultural heritage. Today, the Ifugao Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving both the landscape and the traditions of the Ifugao community.