TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte is set to offer a new kind of travel experience that combines tourism with science, technology, and environmental education following the formal launch of a partnership to develop science-based tourism circuits in the province.
The Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII (DOT-8), Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST-8), Association of Leyte Tour Operators Inc. (ALTO), and Eastern Visayas Association of Tour Guides (EVATG) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish the Science Tourism Initiative in Leyte.
The initiative’s pilot product, the “Leyte Science Trails: Energy, Resilience, and Innovation Experience,” will feature destinations and institutions that demonstrate the province’s contributions to renewable energy, disaster resilience, food innovation, environmental conservation, research, and technology.
The project seeks to move beyond conventional sightseeing by allowing visitors to learn about the science and technology behind various local industries, environmental initiatives, and community resilience efforts.
As part of the initial development of the tourism product, stakeholders identified two science tourism clusters after conducting site validation assessments.
The Ormoc-Baybay Cluster, themed “Powering Nature and Innovation,” will focus on renewable energy and technological advancements.
The Tacloban-Palo Cluster, carrying the theme “Science of Resilience and Recovery,” will feature disaster preparedness, post-disaster recovery, and scientific innovations that help communities cope with hazards and rebuild after disasters.
The initiative is covered by a three-year agreement, with each partner organization assigned specific responsibilities in developing and promoting the science tourism circuits.
DOT-8 will lead tourism product development, provide technical assistance in planning, coordinate with local government units, and conduct capacity-building activities for tourism stakeholders.
DOST-8 will oversee the scientific and technological components of the tourism circuits, including the accuracy of scientific information and educational materials to be presented to visitors.
ALTO will develop, package, cost, and market the science tourism products and encourage local tour operators to include the new offerings in their tour packages.
The EVATG, meanwhile, will prepare interpretive guide scripts and deploy trained tour guides who will lead visitors through the science trails.
The project is supported by government funding, with DOST-8 allocating P175,000 through its Grant-in-Aid program for the initial site assessment and validation activities in the two tourism clusters.
DOT-8 has also committed P106,500 as counterpart funding for the next phase of the initiative, which will include a Science Tourism Product Development Workshop, production of promotional and interpretive materials, official launch activities, and pilot dry runs.
The partner agencies said the Leyte initiative could serve as a model for developing similar science tourism products in other destinations across Eastern Visayas, allowing the region to showcase not only its natural and cultural attractions but also its scientific and technological innovations.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
