The village of Panaytayan is known for its picturesque remote landscapes and scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for potential tourism development. However, the area lacks significant development in terms of tourist facilities, attractions, and services (https://touristspotsfinder.com/oriental-mindoro-tourist-spots/). Sustained tourism focuses on more than mere profit and encompasses the preservation of culture, society’s health, and safety [1]. Hence, some researchers from Mindoro State University (MinSU) -Bongabong Campus underwent a survey on community needs in selected sitios of Panaytayan which have identified with some of its tourist potentials and serve as a basic preparation ground for crafting a proposed tourism strategic plan and further extension services. From the initial assessment of the researchers, the tourism destinations of Sitio Calibang, Ether, Tanawan, and Sinugbuan in Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro may respond better to need-based technical support. As such, this goal can be achieved by conducting a need assessment. The assessment will consider key issues in the sustainable planning for adventure tourism, cultural tourism, infrastructure and services, barangay administration and management, community livelihood, etc. The objective of this Panaytayan community’s needs assessment is to identify the tourism-related requirements and subsequently develop an efficient strategic tourism plan. The strategy will emphasize sustainable, and people-centered tourism development. In the context of Destination Dynamics: A Needs Assessment-Based Approach for a Proposed Tourism Strategic Plan, the legal basis for the development of Project PATHS in Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, draws upon various legal frameworks and regulations to ensure its alignment with sustainable tourism practices and community engagement. The Philippine Tourism Act of 2009 [8] sets forth guidelines for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing community involvement and cultural heritage protection, which resonates with the goals of Project PATHS. Additionally, the Local Government Code of the Philippines [8] empowers local government units to spearhead development projects like Project PATHS, promoting autonomy in planning and implementation. Moreover, the Philippine National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) provides a strategic roadmap that Project PATHS can adhere to, focusing on sustainable tourism, culturalpreservation,and community participation. Complementary to these are environmental laws and regulations, such as the Philippine Clean Water Act and Cultural Heritage Laws, which ensure that Project PATHS operates in an environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive manner. Furthermore, Project PATHS aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations 2015, SDG’s). Contributing to objectives like Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. Lastly, adherence to Community-Based Tourism Guidelines established by the Department of Tourism (DOT) ensures that Project PATHS actively involves local communities, fostering their empowerment and benefiting from tourism initiatives. By integrating these legal frameworks and principles into its strategic planning, Project PATHS aims to foster sustainable tourism development while preserving cultural authenticity and promoting the well-being of the local community in Panaytayan.

Objectives

The objective of this Panaytayan community’s needs assessment is to identify the tourism-related requirements and subsequently develop an efficient strategic tourism plan. The strategy will emphasize sustainable, and people-centered tourism development.

The study employed a qualitative research design which was through interviews, and discussions to get the views of residents, decision-makers, and the entire community. The researchers purposively identified the respondents such as community members, community leaders, local people, tourism practitioners, elders, and youths among others, experiential and expert opinions. The collected information was used in developing the comprehensive tourism strategic plan.

The study arrives at the following findings:

Needs Assessment Results

Based on the answers of the respondents and the observation made by the researchers in the research locale, the needs were categorized in the following major areas: i) Adventure tourism, ii) cultural tourism, iii) infrastructure and services, iv barangay administration and management, and v) community livelihood and development.

Adventure Tourism From the findings, the place can be used as a tourist attraction with such adventurous activities as hiking, camping, trekking, motocross riding, zip line and ATV rides, paragliding, and other similar activities. The community enjoys unpolluted splendor with its sea of clouds, cold fog, magnificent sunrise/sunsets, green rolling mountains, clean flowing river water, and crystal-clear streams, breathtaking views over the ocean onto the town center, and sparkling starry night skies. The place is naturally beautiful and offers great opportunities for eco-adventure tourism. On the other hand, the community had no experience in handling extreme adventure activities. Also, there exists minimal campaign regarding the beauty of Mansalay’s natural highlands.

Cultural Tourism

Culture-wise, the Indigenous culture of the people of Panaytayan is rich and surviving. There is also local handiwork making bracelets, cloth weaving, etc. Unfortunately, only the elderly people are aware of their pre-colonial beliefs and ways of doing things. The current generation does not know anything about these traditions, nor does it have any concerns concerning the traditions.

Infrastructure and Services

Research found that the infrastructure, services, and huts for homestay and glamping are also accessible. There are adequate volumes of safe drinking water from the natural springs. Nevertheless, solar energy provided a very limited power supply in the area. The sitios provide native huts, which require renovation. Furthermore, a big issue also experienced by visitors as well as community members is the rough and dangerous road trails coupled with deficiency of the safety facilities and signs in the area. The cry of the community on these requirements like signposting, postings and road works has been put forth on an open front by this research, to make the traveling convenient for the visitors and its community members.

Barangay Administration and Management

Research also noted that the community already has a leader in the person of a pastor or elder. The society also has a set of seven councilors whose role is to keep the peace and security of the citizens. The leader acts on behalf of the whole community during all functions of the local government including without a limitation of term. Respondents suggested that representatives should be open to community members and not limited to leaders with specific terms so that it will be fair and transparent.

Community Livelihood and Development

Farming is their source of livelihood for the community. Among highland products are palay, sweet potato, kaong, and coffee. The mentioned products became worthless due to difficulties encountered while getting the products to the marketplace. The listed commodities are also not subjected to any price standard regulation. Farmers also have very limited training and experience in the modern way of agriculture to enhance productivity. Additionally, the community members are producing Ramit products and other local handicrafts made from the resources available in the area.

Tourism Strategic Plan

The researchers proposed a Tourism Strategic Plan through its PROJECT PATHS (Promoting Adventure Tourism, Heritage and Scenic Sites). Project PATHS, an innovative and community-driven initiative, seeks to unlock the immense potential of this picturesque destination. It is a visionary endeavor designed to bring Panaytayan, Mansalay into the spotlight of sustainable and responsible tourism. This project will be meticulously executed within the carefully chosen locales of Panaytayan Mansalay, specifically in Sitio Calibang, Ether, Tanawan, and Sinugbuan. With a deep commitment to the preservation of natural wonders and cultural treasures, this project aims to strike a harmonious balance between tourism development and the well-being of the local community. This project aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [4], specifically contributing to the achievement of several key objectives namely; SDG #2: Zero Hunger, SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG #10: Reduce Inequalities, SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and; SDG #17: Partnership for the Goals. Project PATHS offers a comprehensive solution to the pressing issues in the selected sitios, focusing on Attraction and Cultural Festival Assessment, community involvement, infrastructure development, and sustainability. Among the proposed solutions are:

Table 1: Proposed Tourism Strategic Plan.

Figure 2: GanttChart on the Activities of the Proposed Project PUSH.

Findings provide strong grounds for the community vision and strategy on how best to utilize tourism for the development and preserve culture and environment. Researchers suggest that an effective approach should include community participation in the formulation of policies, establishing local tourism councils, and promoting responsible tourism through education. Community leaders, therefore, should actively take part in policy management relating to tourism so that local culture and interests are protected, and the community becomes more attractive as an authentic cultural destination. In addition, the dedication to green tourism complements what many travelers want nowadays in a place. Mansalay for its continuous support in conducting this study.

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4. Eduardo JP and Gabriel AG. Assessing the Leadership Skills of the Chiefs of Police in the Towns of Nueva Ecija, Philippines: A Dichotomy between Managerial Competence and Decision-Making Ability. Open Journal of Leadership. 2017; 6: 142-159.
5. Department of Tourism (DOT). Community-Based Tourism Guidelines.
6. Philippine National Tourism Development Plan.
7. Philippines Tourism Act of 2009, Republic Act No. 9593, 14th Congress of the Philippines 2009.
8. Republic Act No. 7160, Local Government Code of the Philippines.