TACLOBAN CITY – From meteorology and disaster preparedness to food science and interactive exhibits, Leyte is positioning itself as a hub for science tourism in Eastern Visayas.
As part of this initiative, the regional office of the Department of Tourism(DOT-8), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology(DOST-8), recently conducted an assessment of three potential science tourism sites in Tacloban City and Palo: the Eastern Visayas Science Centrum, Mary’s Leyte Deli, and the Pagasa Tacloban Synoptic Station.
The evaluation aimed to determine each site’s readiness to be integrated into a science-themed tourism circuit that would not only boost visitor arrivals but also promote public appreciation of science and innovation.
Private sector stakeholders, including tour operators from the Association of Leyte Tour Operators (ALTO) led by Ludette Ruiz, and the Eastern Visayas Association of Tour Guides (EVATG) headed by Mark Simbajon, joined the assessment to provide industry perspectives on how these destinations can be packaged into engaging visitor experiences.
At the Eastern Visayas Science Centrum, the review focused on its interactive exhibits designed to make science learning fun and accessible. At Mary’s Leyte Deli, evaluators highlighted the food science and innovation behind its culinary offerings, while the PAGASA Synoptic Station was assessed for its potential to educate visitors on weather monitoring, climate science, and disaster preparedness.
DOT-8 has been actively promoting science-related tourism packages since 2024, with other destinations already on the pipeline, including the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation in Isabel, Energy Development Corporation geothermal fields in Kananga and Ormoc, and several processing centers for coffee, chocolate, jackfruit, and camote across Leyte.
Through this partnership, both agencies aim to turn science, technology, and innovation into an experiential tourism driver that connects education, culture, and local industry.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
