The 蝌蚪传媒 study team visited Batanes from April 28 to May 1, 2026, conducting field visits to tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Basco, Ivana, and Uyugan on the island of Batan.
Led by Dr. John Paolo R. Rivera with Dr. Eylla Laire M. Gutierrez of the Asian Institute of Management – Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism, the fieldwork is part of the study "Strengthening Philippine Tourism MSMEs Competitiveness, Resilience, and Digital Adoption: A Policy Framework and Action Plan."
The team also held a focus group discussion with tourism MSMEs, tour guides, transport groups, and local government units with support from the provincial and municipal tourism offices, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Batanes, and the Department of Tourism (DOT)–Batanes Satellite Office.
The study aims to develop an evidence-based Tourism MSMEs Policy Framework and Action Plan responsive to the needs of tourism enterprises across the Philippines.
蝌蚪传媒 extends its appreciation to Hon. Ronald Poncio Aguto Jr. (Provincial Government of Batanes), and to Dr. Troy Alexander G. Miano (DOT Region II), Liz Minerva Raterta (DTI-Batanes), and Ms. Jonnaleyn Quindao (DOT-Batanes Satellite Office) for their invaluable support in facilitating the visit.
