Families to host tourists of country's longest zipline

MAKILALA, North Cotabato – About 15 families
from a remote village of Israel here have undergone a 5-day training on
Homestay Program of the Department of Tourism (DOT-12) through the Bottoms-Up-
Budgeting (BUB) over the weekend, an official said today.

Isidro Mainit, tourism officer designate of Makilala, said the
five day training was held at Eva’s Hotel in Kidapawan City with a renowned
lecturer Dr. Gina Garcia, a certified ASEAN master trainer on tourism industry
and the Homestay program.
According to Mainit, the National Homestay Program under the DOT
provides travellers or tourists with comfortable accommodations with Filipino
families in areas near tourist attractions.
As provided on the rules and regulations that governs the
accreditation of tourism related establishments pursuant to the provisions of
Executive Order 120 in relation to Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the
Local Government Code of 1991 as amended, a tourist destination must meet the standard
requirements and training program for manpower development, including the
Homestay program.
He said Barangay New Israel, being the home of the longest 2.3
kilometer Zip line at the center of New Israel Eco-tourism park, receives
guests and tourists regularly that desires to stay for a few days to experience
the pristine and serene natural environment of the Barangay.
It is expected that tourists interact with community who are
members of Alpha and Omega Peace Crusaders Mission and encounter the presence
of the tamed Macaque Monkeys.
As an alternative to the lack of hotel
accommodations and pension houses for the tourist and visitors to stay, Mainit said the local tourism officehad submitted a project proposal to DOT for the
Homestay program in line with thrust of the government on countryside
development for residential accommodations catering to tourists and maximizes
the tourism potential of New Israel.
The training will upgrade the home owner’s capability on
tourism to be at par with other Asian nation’s tourist destination and in line
with the DOT’s thrust on Asian integration.
Mainit said the training program will benefit the participant
homeowners with host-visitor encounter experience, basic knowledge in catering
to the lodging requirements of tourists.
The five day training will include basic know how on the
provision of accommodation, bathroom, housekeeping, health, hygiene and
sanitation of the premises, proper food handlings and preparation, including
safety, security and protection of the guests.
Mainit said the Php505,000 project through BUB has counterpart
equity of 10 percent from LGU Makilala.He admitted that there are tourists now who are staying at local
residences of New Israel, but the training will further provide better
accommodations and provisions.
The training also included participants other towns that have
tourism destinations, but the program was spearheaded and funded through the
efforts of Makilala Tourism Office and implemented by DOT region 12.Asia’s longest

Situated at the foot of Mt. Apo, Barangay New Israel in Makilala is now
one of the top destinations in the province.
The 2.2-kilometer zipline attract local and foreign adventure seekers.
To date, it is the longest zip line in Asia.

New Israel is also the home of the tamed Macaque monkeys, who has been
living with community for more than five decades already.

While in the village, get to know the beliefs and traditions of
religious group known as Moncadista.”

The place is also a perfect destination for backpackers.

How to get hereand

From Davao City, take a van to Kidapawan City and drop off in Makilala
town proper (about 2 hours). From
Cotabato City, take a van to Davao City or take the Weena Bus and drop off in
Makilala town proper (About 2 hours).

From Makilala town proper, take
a 20-minute jeep ride to Barangay New Bulatukan. Then enjoy the 15-minute
motorcycle-ride, locally known as habal-habal, going to the village.