A sustainable community can capably manage while enjoying its resources, in response to current and future needs. People positively support or restrict development if benefits are not identified or felt. In tourism development, for example, local people’s stake is not only in the economic benefits but also in key decision making and managerial roles (Amare Wondirad & Biruk Ewnetu, 2019).

Community and social participation play an important role in fostering vibrant, inclusive, and resilient societies. It serves as a foundation for building strong social bonds and a sense of belonging among individuals. When people actively participate in their communities, they not only contribute to the betterment of society but also benefit personally through increased social support, improved mental well-being, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within their community (Scope, 2023). 

Local community involvement is crucial for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. In tourism, various groups like the government, businesses, organizations, and individuals play a role (Wisdom, 2023). However, the local community is a special and essential part of this process.  

The involvement of the local community is important because tourism focus around their way of life, environment, culture, and traditions which are what attract tourists.  It is also vital to consider the needs and desires of the locals. As stated by Wisdom, 2023, when the community actively participates in tourism, it leads to sustainable development and brings economic, environmental, and cultural benefits which also enriches the overall tourist experience.

The Municipality of Marcos, in the province of Ilocos Norte, would like to invest further in tourism. Municipal officials with the lead of its tourism officer feel the need to know more about their place. They annually submit only four cultural attractions to the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a compliance. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for the municipality.  Hence; this project and study. 

Moreover, no less than the Mayor Antonio V. Mariano of the municipality, together with the other community leaders, recognize the benefits of tourism investment. Moreover, the family of the mayor started to invest when they decided to build the proposed resort, the first and still the only in the area.

A project was proposed, approved and agreed upon by a team of CBEA researchers and officials from the local government unit. The project has three studies.  One of the studies is on the identification and characterization of communities currently and potentially may be involved in tourism and tourism related development and initiatives. Hence; this study is on the Managparmata a Marcoseño (Visionary and Empowered People of Marcos): Community Engagement and Participatory Mapping.