CAPIZ— The Province of Capiz showcased its cultural heritage, natural resources and emerging digital tourism initiatives through its “Balay Kawayan” booth at the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) held at the SMX Convention Center.
Held under the theme “Nurturing NextGen Tourism,” the country’s premier travel trade exposition brought together tourism destinations and industry stakeholders from across the Philippines to promote a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future for tourism.
The Capiz Provincial Government, under the administration of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro and through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, designed its exhibition around the theme “Balay Kawayan,” drawing inspiration from two of the province’s natural resources—bamboo from its inland communities and shells from its coastal waters.
Bamboo featured prominently in the booth design as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, reflecting Capiz’s efforts to embrace digital transformation while preserving its cultural roots.
A centerpiece of the exhibit was a detailed map of Capiz made entirely from shells, with different shell species representing the province’s municipalities and city.
The installation also highlighted sustainability through the creative reuse of discarded shell materials, reinforcing Capiz’s identity as the seafood capital of the Philippines.
The booth likewise promoted inclusive tourism by showcasing the contributions of local artisans, producers, Indigenous communities, women, persons with disabilities and persons deprived of liberty.
Technology was integrated into the exhibit through virtual reality stations that allowed visitors to take immersive digital tours of the province’s natural attractions.
Another highlight was a virtual augmentation of the historic Panay Bell, considered one of the oldest and largest church bells in Asia.
The digital presentation was complemented by live musical performances featuring rondalla and violin arrangements by the Cuartero National High School Taliamba Ensemble and violinist Arnel Heremias.
The presentation continued with the performance of the Capisnon folk dance “Ohoy Alibangbang” by the Colegio de La Purisima Concepcion Sarayawan Dance Company, accompanied by singer Michael Balasa.
Visitors were also treated to Capisnon culinary specialties, including freshly prepared alimango (mud crab) and pasayan (shrimp), as well as chocolate-coated sweet-and-sour dilis, butong-butong, pusô and panutsa.
The showcase reflected the four core pillars of this year’s PTM—sustainability, digitalization, inclusivity, and health and wellness.
Through the combination of cultural heritage, community participation, technology and local gastronomy, Capiz presented itself as a destination seeking to build a more sustainable and future-ready tourism industry./PN
