The Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) Tourism, Arts, and Culture Cluster recently conducted a tourism benchmarking activity last May 15, 2026 at the Camaligan River River Park, MB Camaligan, participated in by Tourism Officers from MNDC member-LGUs alongside representatives from BATTO–NAITAS Bicol travel agencies and tour operators. The activity was hosted by the Municipality of Camaligan and attended by MNDC Chairperson and Naga City Mayor Leni Gerona Robredo.
The activity featured a river cruise experience followed by a workshop and collaborative discussion aimed at identifying strategies to further enhance the tourism potential of Camaligan and Metro Naga, particularly in the areas of river tourism, local cuisine, cultural presentation, and overall visitor experience.
One of the major highlights of the activity was the continuing development of the 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, including the operational planning of the proposed Metro Naga River Cruise initiative. Discussions focused on possible tourism routes, integration of local tourism products, and opportunities for stronger inter-LGU collaboration in promoting river-based, culinary, and cultural tourism destinations across Metro Naga.
The cluster likewise discussed current tourism concerns, including the continuing decline in tourist arrivals in several local destinations, and emphasized the need to strengthen destination branding, digital promotion, stakeholder coordination, and experience-driven tourism programs to help revitalize the local tourism industry.
Insights and recommendations were also shared by Mr. Efren De Leon, BATTO–NAITAS Bicol Chairman, and Ms. Kaye Floriano, NAITAS Bicol President, particularly on improving tour operations, tourism product packaging, destination marketability, and public-private sector collaboration.
Also present during the activity were Hon. Yna Acabado, Co-Chairperson on Tourism, Culture, and Arts of LGU Camaligan, and former Municipal Councilor Mr. Jonathan Azutillo, representative of Mayor Diano SJ. Ibardaloza Jr.
Among the recommendations raised during the activity were enhancing tourism marketing initiatives, improving river cruise and tour package offerings, developing additional eco-cultural attractions, upgrading tourism facilities and visitor amenities, and creating more engaging and family-oriented tourism activities.
The benchmarking activity further strengthened the commitment of the MNDC Tourism, Arts, and Culture Cluster and its partners toward developing a more sustainable, collaborative, and competitive tourism industry for Metro Naga.
The Council likewise expresses its appreciation to the Municipality of Camaligan, especially to Ms. Melai Beah Castañeda, for warmly accommodating the participants and facilitating a productive and insightful activity.
Source: Naga City Government