Currimao in Ilocos Norte is a fifth-class municipality. It may lag behind other towns in terms of development, infrastructure, or telecommunications but its tourism potentials are enormous. Its beach resorts are now attracting tourists all over Asia. With the boom in tourism arrivals, the demand for other tourism-related services increases. There is a need for more restaurants, spas, bus tour operators, etc, to serve the demands of both local and foreign tourists. 

Aside from the natural resources, other towns are known for its local industries. San Miguel in Bulacan is one of them since this is a town known for its pastillas de leche and sweets. On the other hand, there are towns known for the leisure activities that it can host. An example is Guiuan Island in Eastern Samar, a third-class municipality that is touted as the country’s "next surfing capital." 

These towns, and thousands more, can benefit with the launch of BayanNatin.net, a new website that provides a listing or directory service specifically targeted for local businesses (micro and small enterprises). Created to become an effective tool to promote the advocacy/ attraction of an LGU, the website provides a venue for them to enlist their town's tourism and business providers. 

"We at BayanNatin believe that there's still a lot of untapped business and tourism potentials in the Philippines. These towns and cities will surely benefit with their presence in the Internet. We aim to present their town to millions all over the world," said Philip Camara, President of BayanNatin.net.  "Since BayanNatin.net is designed for the use of visitors, tourists, OFWs, local residents, or anyone who is interested in contracting the services of entrepreneurs based in that area, the benefit would go directly to the local community. We are inviting the LGUs to participate in the website to help boost the local economy which will in turn benefit their constituents." 

"For example, you want to open a restaurant in Currimao to serve the tourists or operate a jetski center in Guiuan. You will surely want to know who the suppliers are in that area. What you will do is to just log on to BayanNatin.net. Point your cursor on the province you would like to visit and wait for the drop down window to appear. This window contains all the towns and cities in that province. Click on the town you wish to visit or do business in. There will be a list of local service providers with cellphone contact numbers and service descriptions. There will also be directions on how to get to there," said Philip who stressed that the website will serve as the town's "yellow pages". 

Since BayanNatin.net goes beyond tourism, producers of pastillas de leche can gain more exposure by joining the website. Therefore, they can expect more orders from local and foreign buyers, thus, increasing sales and profitability. 

BayanNatin.net, being the "unofficial" website of the town, may also be linked to the town's official website for directory and calendar purposes. If the town has no website, BayanNatin.net serves as their "face" to the world since it would post the town's events and activities. Add to that, the website also features a forum where users can discuss latest tourism and business issues related to the town and connect with other like-minded individuals. 

"We invite all LGUs who want to open their towns and cities to tourists and entrepreneurs to join BayanNatin.net. The benefits will go a long way in boosting your local economy, adding tourism arrivals, and generating employment," added Philip. 

BayanNatin.net is an affiliate of HopAround.net, a tourist website with links to local service providers. Both sites are maintained by RemitCard, Inc. an IT company specializing in public-oriented interactive services. 

For more information on BayanNatin.net, 899-5544/ 0917-8135508, e-mail: info@bayannatin.net or visit the office at Unit 206, Raman Condominium, 1130 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.