(March 20, 2012, Koronadal City) -- In an effort to bolster the development of local ecotourism, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a meeting recently with some key officials and staff of the Municipality of Maitum, Sarangani Province.
The meeting focused on the development of ecotourism in Maitum pursuant to Executive Order No.111 entitled “Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines”. It was held on March 16, 2012 in the Municipal Hall of Maitum and coincided with the practicum of the cave assessment seminar-workshop, thus affording the DENR and LGU officials an opportune time to discuss initiatives on Maitum’s ecotourism.
Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett welcomed the move of the DENR towards the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region. ”It hurts to see the degradation of environment which is common almost everywhere. I want to spare our municipality from total destruction of forest cover and vegetation,” Mayor Perett emphasized.
DENR XII Protected Areas and Wildlife Division Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser disclosed in the meeting that all plans, programs or projects on ecotourism activities proposed by the municipality should pass through the Regional Ecotourism Council (REC) for review, assessment and sanctions.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the DENR take turns every three years in leading the REC. This year the DENR takes the helm of the REC with Regional Executive Director Alfredo S. Pascual as Chair and adviser on matters related to the administration and technical aspects of Ecotourism Areas. The DOT Regional Director acts as Co-Chair of REC, Hadjinasser announced.
Maitum Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member and Committee on Culture, Arts and Tourism Chair Jess C. Bascuña presented the Municipality’s Ecotourism Master Plan. “We are happy that the DENR is willing to extend assistance to facilitate the implementation of our ecotourism program,” SB Bascuña opined.
DENR Regional Focal Person on Ecotourism Engr.Rosalinda Cortez discussed some strategies for successful ecotourism development.There should be a balance among ecological sustainability, economic viability and social equitability. Engr. Cortez also said that community participation is vital and regarded as a capital in ecotourism. “Let us prioritize activities that preserve the nature and originality of the area,” Cortez added.
Ecotourism has been defined as a form of sustainable tourism in a natural or cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and the satisfaction of visitors.
The DENR with the leadership of Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje has been tasked to ensure ecotourism development while maintaining a healthy environment and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources for the present and future generations. (CGValdez/MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR XII )
# # #
Approved for release:
(Signed)
ALFREDO S. PASCUAL, CESO III
Regional Executive Director
Captions:
Picture 1: Hon. Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett of Maitum (inset) cites the ecotourism efforts of the DENR XII as a welcom move towards the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region, especially in her municipality during a meeting with DENR officials on March 16, 2012 at the Municipal Hall of Maitum.
Picture 2: Inset picture of Hon. Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett of Maitum.
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