MARIPIPI, Biliran – A total of 29 homestay operators from Biliran province received homestay kits from the Department of Tourism (DOT) to support their accommodations for tourists.
Of the recipients, 18 are from Higatangan Island in Naval town, and 11 are from the island municipality of Maripipi. All underwent a seven-day homestay training provided by DOT-8 in March.
The homestay kits include towels, linens, pillows, and blankets for use in the rooms they offer to tourists.
Among the recipients were Riza Nengasca and Florida Enero from Higatangan Island and Judith Gaviola from Maripipi. All expressed gratitude for the assistance, which will help enhance the comfort and quality of their services.
“This is such a great help for us in the homestay business,” said Enero, who is new to the field. She added that the training provided by DOT-8 has helped her ensure her accommodations are presentable and meet quality standards.
Gaviola shared that the new linens would be used right away, as her current set was due for replacement. Offering three rooms in her Maripipi residence, Gaviola has been in the homestay business since retiring from government service in 2016, which has provided her with an additional income.
Nengasca expressed her appreciation to the DOT, the Naval local government unit, and the Biliran provincial tourism office for encouraging them to engage in the homestay business to meet the area’s accommodation demand.
“This opportunity will help us not only meet new people but also provide income to support our families,” Nengasca said.
Higatangan and Maripipi are emerging tourist destinations in the region, recently added to the list of cruise destinations in Eastern Visayas.
Higatangan is renowned for its shifting sandbar, while Maripipi is known for Sambawan Island.
While there are existing accommodation facilities, the current capacity is insufficient to handle the influx of visitors.
The homestay program helps bridge this gap by offering authentic, cultural experiences for guests, immersing them in the local way of life.
(ROEL T.AMAZONA)
