Misamis Oriental Culinary MSMEs Drive Intangible Heritage Tourism in Philippines

Integrating artisanal family recipes into municipal tourism corridors, Misamis Oriental is leveraging local culinary heritage to expand its visitor economy and drive community growth.

The Core Transit Update

Regional transport corridors, coastal transit stops, and airport concession programs in the Philippines are incorporating local culinary assets. In Misamis Oriental, the provincial government has aligned with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its network of Negosyo Centers to promote long-standing family food businesses as official destination markers.

A prominent example is Carrol’s Barquillos and Barquiron in Villanueva, which has operated continuously in Barangay Dayawan since 1995 under the Pelesco family (led by Carlyne V. Pelesco and Carole V. Pelesco). The enterprise was highlighted as an exemplary model in Governor Juliette T. Uy's Governor's Report on July 31, 2026, alongside DTI Provincial Director Jesusa Abear's business scaling campaigns. The initiative aligns with UNESCO's 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage guidelines and UN Tourism's gastronomy framework, linking local agricultural sourcing (dairy, sugar, and flour) with traveler transit spending.

Enterprise Profiles & Local Economic Multipliers

Planning a culinary route through Northern Mindanao requires matching transport hubs to local producer locations. The following tables outline the Villanueva enterprise profile and detail Misamis Oriental's local economic multipliers.

Enterprise Attribute	Stated Operational Details & Strategic Context	Primary Support Network
Enterprise Name	Carrol’s Barquillos and Barquiron	DTI Misamis Oriental & Negosyo Centers
Establishment Date	1995 (Barangay Dayawan, Villanueva)	Founders' descendants Carlyne & Carole Pelesco
Primary Offerings	Rolled wafer biscuits (barquillos) & polvorón-filled wafers (barquiron)	Featured in Governor's Report (July 31, 2026)

Profile of Carrol's Barquillos and Barquiron.

Misamis Oriental Economic Multiplier	Measured / Stated Value	Stated Local Livelihood Impact Pathway
Indirect Tourism Income	PHP 285 million (9.6% visitor rise)	Generates local consumer spending and business activity
Villanueva Transport Corridor	Stopover transit flows	Drives food, retail, & hospitality revenue along routes
Local Sourcing Multipliers	Direct purchases from farming	Creates demand for local flour, sugar, and milk

Misamis Oriental local economic multipliers and transit corridor impacts.

Traveler Logistics Guide

From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to buy your box of traditional barquillos or barquiron directly from the family workshop in Barangay Dayawan, Villanueva, or at certified DTI Negosyo Center outlets, as this guarantees product freshness and ensures your spending directly benefits local families. Checking outlet locations is recommended.

To plan your trip:

Allow Safe Connecting Windows: Laguindingan International Airport (CGY) is the primary gateway. If traveling by road from the airport through Cagayan de Oro to Villanueva, allow at least two hours to manage traffic delays on the national highway.
Observe Pasalubong Traditions: Pasalubong (buying regional delicacies for family back home) is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the Philippines. Buy your confections in durable, travel-safe boxes suitable for airport carry-on.
Verify Workshop Hours: Small family-owned workshops may not maintain standard corporate retail hours. Confirm opening times through local Negosyo Centers before making a dedicated road detour.
Keep Cash on Hand: While department stores accept cards, micro-enterprises and roadside stands in Villanueva require payment in Philippine pesos (PHP).

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The establishment of dedicated highway stopover bays and the setup of municipal trade centers protect local barangay streets from heavy tourist vehicle parking and diesel exhaust emissions.

By directing traveler spending to family-owned bakeries (supporting local employment in Barangay Dayawan) and buying ingredients from neighboring farmers, the gastronomy program funds community livelihood grants, reduces dependence on imported snacks, and ensures that Filipino culinary traditions remain protected.