After 10 years under the local government of the Mountain Province, Mount Data Hotel was turned over to Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), with support from the Public-Private Partnership Center.
Rehabilitation work began in January 2020.
First opened in the ‘60s, Mount Data Hotel, has hosted thousands of travelers who had wished to see Cordillera’s finest tourist destinations and serves as a popular rest stop along Halsema Highway for tourists on their way to or coming from Sagada and the World Heritage Site, Banaue Rice Terraces.
The 39.9-million project’s cool climate and romantic ambiance made it a favorite honeymoon destination. The idyllic mountain getaway is located on 7.7-hectare land with sloping terrain of more than 7,000 feet above sea level – so high that it’s the nearest to heaven.
It features existing infrastructure, namely the refurbished 22 standard hotel rooms with veranda, two dormitory rooms with common toilet and bath, conference rooms, restaurant and bar, sun terrace, picnic grounds, eco trail, and parking area.
The “symbol of resiliency” just like its old upright steam engine boiler in a café, the place of transit of guests of many past generations has hosted the historic Peace Accord known as SIPAT signing between President Corazon Aquino and the rebel priest leader Conrado Balweg on September 13, 1986.
Unknown to many, this peace accord gave rise to the birth of what is now known as the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Mark Lapid, TIEZA’s chief operating officer, said that the launch of the hotel supports TIEZA’s mission to create economic opportunities for Filipinos as the country recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.
The mountain oasis for tourists comes to life again, eyes to integrate the local activities, including the family-oriented activities such as trail hiking, mountain bike routes, hanging bridge and tree houses, among others.
The project is envisioned to be part of revitalizing tourism in the region and is expected to contribute not only in the growth of the tourism industry but also in other business activities in the area, the Public-Private Partnership Center said.
Bauko Mayor Abraham Akilit has expressed his excitement as the municipality’s request to renovate its first-ever and only hotel has been realized by this time.
Akilit said the historic landmark’s reopening will boost the local and entire province’s tourism and will result in job opportunities, employing locals who may establish their careers and develop their skills as they make a living for themselves and families. It will also foster economic growth in the province.
Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., represented by Provincial Administrator Jose Tombali, has asked the management to incorporate the cultural values, practices in the property and suggested to be abided by the TOURISM acronym — teamwork, oneness, unity, respect, inform, service, and thoughtful/thankful.
Cong. Maximo Dalog Jr., represented by Political Affairs Officer Erlindo Agwilang Jr., said the hotel management may have been transferred, shifted, or even reverted several times, “but we did not give up because now, we are even more blessed as it underwent major changes, renovation and repair, with a new management, amenities and staff to fulfill the services and skills distinctive of Mount Data Hotel.”
Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the “rest stop unlike any other” is now ready, more than ever, to welcome patrons who have been treated by this place and fallen in love with its rustic charm as well as the new generation of travelers.
This year, marked by the reopening of international tourism and the transition to the new normal, Puyat said we also see the completion of refurbishment of the historic establishment.
