DENR envisions community-based ecotourism program in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, May 16 (PNA) -– Government and community leaders have signed a pledge of commitment to support the ecotourism program the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has envisioned for the Mount Timolan Protected Landscape (MTPL) in the nearby town of Tigbao.

The signing of a pledge of commitment was held at the end of the one-day Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on Community-Based Ecotourism Program on Wednesday in Barangay Limas, Tigbao town.

DENR Regional Public Affairs Officer Rosevirico Tan said Friday the whole day event was aimed to instill awareness of the different stakeholders on the management of the MTPL as an ecotourism site; their respective roles in the proposed community-based ecotourism program; and, the importance of a protected area for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and as possible investment site that could provide alternative livelihood to the host communities.

Tan said the IEC was spearheaded by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja, Protected Area Superintendent Mario Ronulo and personnel from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD).

 Tan said that the IEC was attended by municipal and barangay officials as well as some residents of Tigbao, a fifth class municipality comprising of 18 barangays.

He said the MTPL, which was formerly known as the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Park, is one of the natural monuments of this province being the second highest peak with a crater lake known as Lake Maragang.

The MTPL was declared as a protected area pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 354 dated August 14, 2000.

Tan said the MTPL has an area of 2,691,189 hectares covering six barangays in Tigbao town and one each in Guipos and San Miguel towns.

Ronulo said that the IEC is part of the initial preparation for the opening of MTPL for ecotourism destination.

Meanwhile, Tigbao Mayor Danilo Dalid has urged those who attended the IEC to find ways to generate income through ecotourism and practice organic agricultural farming to preserve the biodiversity of MTPL towards a progressive life.

“The promotion of MTPL as an ecotourism site is a visible indicator of my dream comes true,” Dalid said. (PNA)
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