Department of Tourism Steps Up Ecotourism in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has stepped up its thrust to highlight ecotourism around the country through Magandang Pilipinas.

The said project brings together the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan and US-based nonprofit organization Conservation International to identify, develop and promote various ecotourism sites around the country.

According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “Our vision is for the Philippines to be recognized as a leading destination for ecotourism. The islands are already blessed with breathtaking natural beauty on land and underwater. The next step for us is to support our local communities and tourism establishments and stakeholders in conserving and properly utilizing this wealth.”

Under the Memorandum of Agreement, Magandang Pilipinas engages the participating agencies to manage and promote key ecotourism sites in the Philippines.

For its part, the DOT will work with Bantay Kalikasan and the DENR in orienting and assisting local governments in undertaking projects that uphold the environmental and cultural integrity of their area.

Likewise, the DOT will develop and implement activities to promote ecotourism sites to domestic and international travel markets.

Pilot areas and attractions under the Magandang Pilipinas project include whale shark interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon, the Verde Island Marine Passage Corridor between Batangas and Mindoro, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the marine protected area and limestone karst in El Nido, and the Tubbataha National Marine Park.

Also to be tapped by Magandang Pilipinas are areas currently under the DOT’s ecotourism program with New Zealand’s International Aid & Development Agency (NZAID). These include the Banawe Rice Terraces in Ifugao, dolphin watching in Pamilacan, Bohol, the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Sapang Bato in Pampanga and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

“Ecotourism effectively links environmental conservation with socio-economic welfare. By helping communities protect and promote the natural wonders in their area, we open up sustainable livelihood opportunities brought about by tourism,” Durano said.