THRT 22: Ecotourism

TTH 10:30-12:00
Lecture Note

How it Ecotourism started?

1991 The Department of Tourism (DOT) in collaboration with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO),
prepared the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP).

1992 National Tourism Congress took up this theme and the concept of “ecotourism” was
introduced in the Philippines.

1994-1998 Series of regional seminars discussed the sustainable tourism and ecotourism concepts.

1998 Technical workshop during which the elements of a sustainable tourism development
framework were identified and key issues defined.

17 June 1999 Executive Order (EO) 111 was issued.

Executive Order (EO) 111 - This established a formal organizational structure for the development of
ecotourism in the Philippines. EO 111 created a National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC),
composed of the Secretaries of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government,
Trade and Industry, Finance, Education, the Secretary-General of the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) and representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Under the NEDC, a National Ecotourism Steering Committee (NESC) and Regional Ecotourism Committees
(RECs) were established to implement programs and activities approved by NEDC. EO111 also called for an
Ecotourism Technical Working Group (ETWG) to provide technical and administrative support to the
NEDC and the NESC. All of these bodies are referred to collectively in this report as the “EO 111 Bodies.”

As articulated in EO 111, the following policies served as bases for proposing a system to promote and
develop ecotourism in the Philippines:
• The State shall develop and promote sustainable tourism while enjoining the participation of the
Filipino people in enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine economy; and,
• The State shall ensure the sustainable use, development, management, protection and conservation of
the country’s environment and natural resources and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of the present
and future generations.
The EO111, therefore, provides for the formulation of a national ecotourism strategy and program for the
promotion and development of ecotourism in the Philippines. The National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) shall
be prepared to provide an integrated management plan, which shall warrant a comprehensive direction for the
future of ecotourism in the country by recognizing issues and problems for its sustainable development and
recommend feasible approaches in addressing these issues. The Strategy shall be formulated in consultation
with concerned stakeholders in the environment and tourism sectors including indigenous peoples and local
communities to be affected by ecotourism development. Other specific and urgent national imperatives to be
addressed by the NES are:
• Diversification of the Philippine tourism product mix in the light of current downturn in visitor arrivals;
• Spreading tourism benefits to rural areas not only for employment generation and poverty alleviation but
also for the sustainability of the tourism industry;
• Provision of an economic rationale for conservation of natural and cultural sites to ensure the long-term
sustainability of conservation management systems;
 • Promotion of wholesome styles of recreation in outdoor environments and provision of conservation
awareness and education programs outside the classrooms;
• Creation of models that will demonstrate ways for local communities to engage in non-exploitative and
sustainable utilization of natural resources.
To complement and support the NES, a National Ecotourism Program (NEP) shall be developed.

The NEP shall encompass the major aspects of ecotourism,

1) Development, management and protection of identified ecotourism sites;
2) Product enhancement and development;
3) Environmental education and information campaign;
4) Support programs for community stewardship and livelihood development.

The First National Ecotourism Congress held in Bohol on 27-29 October 1999 defined ecotourism and
its role in the promotion of sustainable development, management, protection and conservation of the country’s
environment, natural resources and cultural heritage.

Sites and Destinations features the various ecotourism sites and destinations in the Philippines:

1. Agusan Marsh Butuan, Agusan del Norte -The Agusan Marsh is an intergral part of the Central Mindanao
ecosystem, acting as a catch basin absorbing much of the area's rainfall and preventing them from flooding
the surrounding communities.

2. Apo Island Marine and Fish Sanctuary Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental - A small wildlife sanctuary off
the coast of Negros Oriental, Apo Island beckons with its pristine shoreline and sparkling blue waters. Apo
Island is a 72-hectare volcanic rock situated in the Mindanao Sea (09.05N, 123.15E).

3. Apo Reef Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro- Apo Reef was declared as a protected area through Presidential
Proclamation No. 868 dated September 6, 1996. It has three islands : Apo Island, Apo Menor and Cayos
del Bajo with white sandy beaches ideal for recreation and sporting vacation. With an area of 15, 792
hectares, Apo Reef is one of the largest coral atoll in the Philippines with a wide variety of habitat types.

4. Batanes Islands Province of Batanes- The Batanes Group of Islands, a rugged, rocky home to the
friendly Ivatans lying some 180 kilometers north of the Luzon mainland.

5. Bohol- may be a small island but it ranks high on the ecotourism scale. Be it deep jungle, lush lowland or
high seas, there is something in here for every ecotourist’s mood and preference. Nature lover would do
well to visit the famous Chocolate Hills, head on to Loboc River Safari among many other destinations.

6. Camiguin- Camiguin is a tiny pearl-shaped volcanic outcrop off the north coast of Mindanao. Mambajao,
the capital, makes a good way station to such attractions as seven volcanoes, waterfalls, springs, and white
sand beaches. It is positioned as the eco-agri site of the region. The island plays host to seven volcanoes,
including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok.

7. Cordillera Rice Terraces- A vast, 23,000 sq. km. chunk of mountainous terrain in northern Luzon, the
Grand Central Cordillera Mountains capture the imagination with cool foggy weather and majestic rice
terraces. The Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, often referred to as "stairways to Heaven", were included in
the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage List's
cultural landscapes category. The areas listed in this category are considered to be sites of significant global
value that demonstrate the interaction of man and nature. Listed sites are officially protected by the World
Heritage Convention which seeks to preserve significant sites of natural and cultural value. The convention
is ratified by over 140 countries, including the Philippines.
8. Dipolog Zamboanga del Norte - Dipolog is a bonafide gateway to the unspoiled, untainted side of
Mindanao. In Dipolog one can enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Dapitan Bay and
Aliguay Island, then head off for a refreshing hike up the nearby mountains.

9. Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Donsol, Sorsogon - In a still unexplained natural phenomena, droves of
these animals congregate in the waters of this town during summer months, forming the main attractions in
a bustling ecotourism. The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world's largest fish. Whale shark appear in
Donsol waters in considerable numbers between December and May of each year, taking advantage of
dense food concentration.

10. El Nido El Nido, Palawan- Named after the nests made by rare birds which is the main ingredient for a
tasty delicacy, El Nido archipelago in Palawan evoke images of an untainted paradise. Occupying an area
of 96,000 hectares, El Nido boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand
beaches, coral reefs and limestone cliffs. It is the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife.

11. Hundred Islands National Park Alaminos, Pangasinan- The Hundred Islands National Park is
Pangasinan's provincial pride, consisting of a small archipelago off the coast of Alaminos. Call it a tiny
version of the Philippines, its 200 plus green topped, white ringed islets set amidst a brilliant backdrop of
deep blue. This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands. However, only 3
islands have been developed for tourists namely : Governor, Quezon and Children's Islands.

12. Lake Danao Ormoc, Leyte- Lake Danao is a guitar-shaped lake covering an area of 148 hectares. Viewed
from the top, it looks like an uncut diamond. It lies some 2,600 feet above the sea level. Lake Danao was
adjudged as the cleanest body of water in Region 8 for three consecutive years.

13. Lake Sebu Tboli, South Cotabato- Lake Sebu lies, 3000 ft. above sea level, a calm, quiet refuge for the
concrete-wary soul. Located on the Mountains of South Cotabatao, it is home to the T’Boli and B’laan
minority groups.

14. Misamis Oriental- A center of trade and commerce in the Northern Mindanao region, Misamis Oriental
possesses wealth of natural attractions ranging from highlands to high seas. There is also the Malasag
Ecotourism Gardens, a breathtaking canopy walk, white water river rafting adventure, as well as countless
other scenic hikes, caves and waterfalls. Go scuba diving at Duka Bay and Mantangale, also a primary
dolphin and whale shark watching destination. Go white water rafting and tubing in the rapids of Cagayan
de Oro River, one of the longest rivers in Mindanao. The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in
Cagayan de Oro, a cultural village in a botanical setting, is home to Region 10's tribal communities and
endemic plants and trees.

15. Mt. Apo Davao Del Sur, Davao City and Cotabato Province- Rising some 9,691 ft. above sea level, the
slopes of Mt. Apo beckon. It is the Philippines’ tallest peak, complete with its own set of obstacles and
challenges. Its base is known to be larger than the island of Singapore. In 1982, the United Nations listed
Mt. Apo in its National Parks and Equivalent Reserves while the 1984 ASEAN Declaration on Heritage,
Parks and Reserves named it as an ASEAN Heritage Site.

16. Mt. Bulusan Natural Park Bulusan and Irosin, Sorsogon- Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon is one of the
three active volcanoes in the Bicol region. The crater is located at its highest peak - 1,550 meters above sea
level. Completely surrounded by forest, park visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, swimming,
canoeing and camping. Bulusan is a 2 km. trail around the lake, has colorful and varies leaves - bearing
trees and presence also of wildlife like Philippine Brown Deer and Luzon bleeding heart pigeon.

17. Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park Sibuyan Island, Romblon- Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park was
proclaimed as a protected area under Presidential Proclamtion No. 746 dated February 20, 1996. It is the
highest peak in Romblon at 2,058 meters above sea level. The island is known for its exceptional intact
chain of ecosystems such as bio-diversity rich forest, mangroves and coral reefs. Some species can be
 found only on the island. These include five mammals namely, the Greater Sibuyan and Lesser Sibuyan
forest mice, the Sibuyan giant moss mouse, Sibuyan pygmy fruit bat, Sibuyan-striped shrew rat. Dugongs,
dolphins and whales are sighted in the municipal waters.

18. Mt. Isarog Naga, Camarines Sur, - replete with the rich flora and fauna is found in the Bicol region.

19. Mt. Kanlaon Mambucal, Negros Occidental- Mt. Kanlaon, a towering 2,465 meter high volcano. Within
its slopes lie an abundance of natural attractions. Greenery covers much of its surface, along with dwarf
forests, pine trees, several lakes and a huge main crater.

20. Mt. Makiling Los Baños, Laguna- Mt. Makiling is home to more than 2,000 species of flowering plants,
291 species of ferns, 211 species of mosses, 45 species of mammals, 181 species of birds, 65 species of
reptiles, 22 species of amphibians and thousand insects and other arthropods.

21. Mt. Mayon Legaspi, Albay- Its summit measures 2,421 meters above sea level (masl) while its circular
base has a radius of about 48 kilometers. Mayon Volcano is surrounded by 5 municipalities and 3 cities
with a total land area of 5,775.70 hectares. Its symmetrical form at any horizontal direction made this
volcano a truly scenic wonder. Located at the foot of Mayon in Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay is the DENR-
managed campsite and ecopark.

22. Mt. Pinatubo Sapang Bato, Pampanga- Mt. Pinatubo is no easy climb-it makes you pay on the way up.
Rising some 1,780 meters above the plain, it made the headline when it errupted in 1991. These days
however, Mt. Pinatubo is the focus of attraction for eco-tourist.

23. Olango Island (off Mactan Island), Cebu- Every year, from February-April, thousands of migratory birds
plying the East Asian Migratory flyway arrive to make a stopover at the wildlife reserve. Essentially a huge
920-hectare protected wetland, the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a resting place for a variety
of migrating water birds. Among the frequent guests are Chinese egrets, Asiatic dowitchers, Eastern
curlews, plovers, and sandpipers.

24. Peñablanca Protected Landscape Peñablanca, Cagayan- the Peñablanca Protected Landscape &
Seascape is known for its countless caves and lush, fertile land. It is verdant junction to some of the
region's greatest landscape - the Cordillera and Sierra Madre Mountains lie on its western and eastern
borders, providing for some perfect setting for some truly intense eco-adventures.

25. Puerto Princesa Underground River Sabang, Palawan- A world heritage site inscribed by the UNESCO,
this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river that winds through a spectacular
cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea.

26. Siargao - Siargao Island off the coast of Surigao del Norte has been a magnet for surfers worldwide. This
island’s southeastern coast has just the right geographic ingredients to produce the perfect wave, making it
host to a vibrant international surfing community.

27. Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park Basey, Samar- Sohotan Caves National Park, an 840-hectar
nature reserve, beckons with an endless array of subterranean delights. Make your way to your prestine
rock tunnels filled with exquisite formations. there are underground streams, natural bridgesand huge sky
lit caverns, all spread out over dozens of underground chambers.

28. Taal Volcano & Tagaytay City Tagaytay- Taal Volcano,as a Protected Area under the category of
Protected Landscape through Presidential Proclamation No. 906 dated October 6, 1996, strides the
provinces of Batangas and Cavite with a geographical position of 14 9'N latitude and 121 3' E lomgtitude.
The forty seven (47) identified cones and craters which constitute the volcano island were formed by
different types of volcanic processes: base surges (rapidly moving mixtures of volcanic debris and steam)
 ash falls and effusions of lava. Twenty aix (26) of these cones are tuff cones, five are cinder cones and four
are marsh (shallow to deep circular depressions of volcanic origin.

29. Tañon Strait Bais, Negros Oriental- Tañon Strait are host to a unique ecotourism attraction: pods of
dolphins. The starting point for most dolphin watching tours is the town of Bais, Negros Oriental.

30. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and World Heritage Site Cagayancillo, Palawan- Located right
in the middle of the Sulu Sea, another World Heritage Site the Tubbataha Reef is one of the most
beautiful dive spots in the Philippines. It is home to a dazzling array of marine life, making it a favorite
among the diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

31. Vigan Ilocos Sur, Vigan- Vigan was inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in November 1999.
Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in
Asia. Its Kamestizoan District is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tiled roofs, massive hardwood
floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

32. Wawa Dam/Pamitinan Cave Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal- Pamitinan Cave, a historic site, is where
Andres Bonifacio, together with other 8 katipuneros declared their first independence against Spain in
April 12, 1895, a year before the start of the Philippine revolution. The cave still bears the inscription of
Andres Bonifacio and his follows: Viva la Independencia Filipinas”. Wawa Dam is located at the foothills
of the Sierra Madre Mountains.