DAVAO CITY – Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF)  trained around 50 cultural workers composed of tourism officers, tour guides, and tourism planners from June 6-8, 2023 in preparation for the official launch of the “Philippine Experience” project in Davao Province by the end of June.

One of NPF’s flagship programs, the Cultural Leadership Institute (CLI) intensive course was developed in 2019 to develop cultural leaders who shall be at the forefront of Philippine cultural heritage protection, promotion, and development.

To develop a holistic cultural leader, its curricular framework is based on andragogy or adult education and creative pedagogies. Courses were facilitated in partnership with scholars and practitioners in the concerned subject areas.

Among the goals of the CLI is to build the capacities of employees of NPF and other stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries to prepare them for leadership roles in cultural heritage protection and sustainable tourism development.

It includes Interpretative Planning which aims to train tourism officers or planners to develop tourism plans with a heritage interpretation framework;  Interpretative Guiding which will help tour guides to develop interpretive guides, interpretative walks and talks, incorporating local narratives and interpretation.

The agency partnered with various organizations and agencies in its two-year validation run which includes the Philippine Educational Theater Association,  AnthroWatch,  Tuklas Pilipinas, and DOT – Office of Industry, Manpower Development.

During her message NPF Executive Gertie Duran-Batocabe said that by providing educational opportunities and training, the agency hopes to not only expand the tourism sector, but also to increase the appreciation of Filipino culture among locals and foreigners alike.

“We are ecstatic that we are able to implement the Nayong Pilipino CLI Intensive courses, which will enable participants to develop their leadership skills and understanding of cultural heritage protection. By doing so, we hope to empower participants to become strong advocates for the conservation of their unique cultural identities,” she said.

The “Philippine Experience” is the new promotional project of the DOT that would herald the country’s rich heritage, arts, and culture through a series of caravans this year.

It would involve the development of caravans featuring culture, heritage, and arts unique to each region.

The NPF is an attached agency of the DOT, created on Nov. 6, 1972 under Presidential Decree 37, and is mandated to champion the Filipino identity by developing parks and research projects, among others.