A five-day “Raniag” creative tour with more than 30 participants, including local artists, social media influencers, and entrepreneurs, kicked off on Tuesday at Casa Amarillo in Rosales town, Pangasinan.

The tour, which runs until Sept. 13, was initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It aims to promote the region’s arts, crafts, and traditions in La Union and Pangasinan and support future creative enterprises. “Raniag,” according to the DOT Ilocos Region, is an Ilocano word for “light,” “brightness,” or “radiance.”

The participants started their day with a breakfast of local Pangasinan dishes and joined in glass painting and origami activities at Casa Amarillo. The tour then proceeded to Manaoag town, Pangasinan, for a visit to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag and its souvenir shop.

Brendon Natividad, Manaoag’s tourism officer, said part of the income from the souvenirs is allotted to the church’s scholars.

The group also visited the Deswordzman sword shop in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, and the Hashems wood artistry and furniture shop in Pugo, La Union, where they witnessed the processes of swordmaking and woodcrafting.

Pozorrubio municipal tourism officer Tina Calachan said they are honored to have hosted the tour, which she called an initial step for their town to be known for its quality swords. The town’s swords are considered export-quality, with the United States and Asia as some of their markets.

Daniel Gano, 64, the owner of Hashems wood artistry and furniture, thanked the organizers.

“At least may bumibisita sa amin nakikita yong trabaho namin. Mataas ang respeto namin sa ginagawa namin (At least there are visitors who see our work. We have high respect for what we are doing),” he said.

Gano lamented that they had lost their export market after the pandemic but have since adapted by adding furniture to their crafts.

The DOT Ilocos Region said the initiative aligns with the goals of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act 11914), with the tour aiming to position the region as a leading creative destination.

The tour is expected to benefit at least 33 local creatives and MSMEs by increasing their visibility and connecting them with new customers. (PNA)