Explicating the Contributions of the Local Community on Sustainable Community-based Tourism - The Case of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to explain the contributions of the local community to sustainable community-based tourism in Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela, Philippines. In developing the research, the researchers will use the qualitative-phenomenological approach through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The study’s key informants (n=49) are barangay government representatives, tourism-related business owners, members of the marginalized sector (farmers, women, youth tour guides), and members of the academe. The Repertory Grid and Thematic Network Analysis, specifically mixed development, were utilized as the research’s mode of analysis. Ethical considerations were implemented by receiving a notice to proceed from the Ethics Review Committee and providing formal communication and coordination with proper authorities and related key informants. From the findings, a Community Contribution on Sustainable Tourism Development Framework was developed to highlight the contributions of the local community in local tourism strategic directions based on the pre-, during, and post-pandemic situation. Based on the framework, the local community’s contribution is focused on the systematic (sustainable tourism management), directional (sustainable tourism governance), interpretational (sustainable tourism education and information dissemination), and rational (sustainable tourism philosophies and values) themes. The study's findings, as recommendation, can be used as one of the foundations for developing a Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan concentrated on a community-based tourism development paradigm.