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Tourism

Sagada Declares Several Travel Companies and Individuals as Undesirable

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The local government of Sagada in Mountain Province has taken a stance against unethical tourism practices by declaring multiple travel companies and individuals as undesirable and banning them from tourism activities within the municipality. Mayor Felicito Dula announced on Wednesday that the Municipal Council passed two resolutions, one on August 8 and another on August 26, temporarily suspending several travel agencies due to their involvement in deceit, misrepresentation, fraud, and unethical conduct targeted at tourists visiting Sagada.

A total of 11 travel companies and individuals were declared undesirable, including Rona Shane Laceda Sanchez and her partners, Bryan Pineda Bonifacio of BOOOK and GOO Travel and Tours, and Theodore Dangkiw of the Sagada Environmental Tour Guides Organization (SETGO). Additionally, 6 individuals, including Najarah Bansao and Pheey Fey Feid Darang, were indefinitely barred from operating within Sagada for failing to appear during scheduled hearings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Municipal Council of Sagada passed Resolution 139-2025 on August 8, temporarily suspending multiple travel agencies due to allegations of unauthorized use of images and misleading tourists.
  • Resolution 156-2025, passed on August 26, formally adopted findings against tour organizer Rona Shane Laceda Sanchez and her partners, declaring them undesirable in Sagada's jurisdiction.
  • Any tourism-accredited local establishments collaborating with Rona Shane Laceda Sanchez and her partners will face immediate and indefinite revocation of permits and accreditations.
  • The municipal government suspended the business permits and accreditations of Bryan Pineda Bonifacio of BOOOK and GOO Travel and Tours and Sanchez's Footstep Travel and Tours.
  • Local guides and businesses, including Theodore Dangkiw of the Sagada Environmental Tour Guides Organization (SETGO) and Nessey Lodge, received a one-month suspension for violations.
  • The municipality reminded tour operators, including Biyahe ni Dino and Sister Travel and Tours, to strictly comply with all local tourism ordinances.

Statistics:

  • 11 travel companies and individuals were declared undesirable in Sagada.
  • 2 resolutions were passed by the Municipal Council: Resolution 139-2025 on August 8 and Resolution 156-2025 on August 26.
  • 6 individuals were indefinitely barred from operating within Sagada.
  • 4 local businesses were suspended for one month.
  • At least 7 tour operators were reminded to strictly comply with local tourism ordinances.

Sources:

  • Mayor Felicito Dula, Sagada Municipal Government
  • Resolution 139-2025, passed on August 8 by the Municipal Council of Sagada
  • Resolution 156-2025, passed on August 26 by the Municipal Council of Sagada

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