The cultural significance of Mangyan products in the tourism development of Occidental Mindoro

This study explores the cultural significance of Mangyan products in the context of tourism development in Occidental Mindoro, employing a mixed-method research design.There were 383 residents and 179 government employees in the province who participated in this study.Through qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, the research examines the relationships between the cultural significance, encompassing sustainability, symbolism, function, and storytelling, of Ramit textiles and beadworks, and various aspects of tourism development, including institutional, product, and market development, as well as capacity building.To treat the data, thematic analysis and WarpPLS version 7.0 SEM were used.The findings reveal that Mangyan products are deeply woven into the cultural and economic fabric of the region, fostering community pride, enhancing visitor experiences, and contributing meaningfully to sustainable tourism practices, achieving a high overall cultural significance score of 4.27.Symbolism emerged as a key factor influencing tourism development, while storytelling proved effective in enhancing product and capacity building.The study's results indicate significant relationships between cultural symbolism and aspects of tourism development, promoting further investment in cultural heritage and sustainable practices. Recommendations include launching the Mangyan Cultural Heritage Tourism EnhancementProgram (MCHTEP) to educate residents and tourists, develop artisan skills, and strengthen the marketing of cultural products.Ongoing capacity-building initiatives are also essential for empowering the Mangyan community, ensuring their agency in tourism practices, and enriching the cultural heritage narrative within the tourism sector.This study underscores the potential of Mangyan cultural products to drive sustainable tourism while preserving and celebrating the community's rich heritage.