Ecotourism in the Philippines: A Review of Literature*

ROWENA B. ABAT-PARDUCHO

The Philippines is a gifted nation. Its biodiversed flora and fauna serves as virtual canvass to a lot of
picturesque sceneries spread out in its 7,107 islands. People all over the world are not only attracted to the
bounties of the country but also fall in love, literally, with almost all the islands they visit, enjoying nature at
its best.

As the destinations and activities become more multifaceted, the Philippine tourism industry was seen
to increasingly play a significant role in the country’s economic development. (http://www.apo-
tokyo.org/gp/e_publi/gplinkeco/22chapter20.pdf). According to the United Nations Environmental
Programme (UNEP), three dimensions are necessary to guarantee the long-term sustainability of tourism. It
should

 Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism
development, maintain essential ecological processes and help conserve natural heritage and
biodiversity;
 Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural
heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance; and
 Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all
stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning
opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Throughout the last century, the Philippines has struggled as a developing nation. High levels of
poverty, low levels of education and care and widespread corruption contributed to the erosion of Philippine
society. To rebuild the economy and improve the welfare of the local people, ecotourism became a
nationwide effort (Olsen,n.d.). Increased awareness on the prospects of ecotourism as an alternative
strategy to economic development have encouraged local government leaders to adopt and support related
activities in their constituents.

At present, tourism industry in the Philippines can be classified into three (3) namely: ecotourism, agri-
tourism, and science tourism, but ecotourism is the most heavily being promoted. Ecotourism boasts the
natural resources of the country, while agri-tourism showcases farms and agricultural products. Lately,
science tourism is gaining recognition as it highlights outputs of scientific researches and activities from
research and development (R&D) institutions across regions.

According to Cereno (2014), tourism here has evolved from the so-called five (5) S namely sun, sand,
seas, sports, and sex into the five (5) F such as forests, farms, fishes, food, and festivals. In Laguna, many
scenic spots have been identified and developed as ecotourism sites since they possess at least one or a
combination of two or more of the five Fs.

*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 1
 Ecotourism is an idea that emerged when the paths of conservation and travel industry crossed each
other. It actually had its beginnings from awareness of our threatened environment which greatly increased
in the early 90’s (Libosada 1997).

Pajaro, et al. (1997) noted that in the Philippines, ecotourism became popular in 1991, when the
Department of Tourism (DOT) prepared the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) in collaboration with the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

The concept of “ecotourism” was formally introduced In 1992 during the second National Tourism
Congress (NTC). Then during the NTCs held in 1993, ten (10) possible sites were prioritized for its
implementation. Since then, ecotourism-related programs initiated included Calauit Game and Preserve
Project in Palawan, the Philippine Eagle Breeding Center in Davao and Philippine Raptors Conservation
Project in Los Baños, Cave Management and Conservation Program, Coastal Environment Program,
Wetland Conservation Program, Philippine Strategy for Biological Diversity Conservation (Calimag 1997);
the joint Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Program on “Sagip Dagat” and “Bantay Dagat”, collaborative activities of the San Miguel Corporation and
then Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) on establishment of
fish sanctuaries, seaweeds farming, giant clams regeneration, and artificial reefs in Subic Bay, creation of a
Presidential Committee on National Oil Spill Prevention and Response Policy by then President Fidel V.
Ramos in recognition of the dangers posed by both oil tankers and exploration activities on the country’s
marine resources, and conduct of international sports diving competitions spearheaded by the finest diving
professionals (Baloy 1997). Ecotourism is also a means to generate income and employment for the local
population, to help develop local infrastructure, to raise funds, and to build political support for nature
conservation (Aala 1997). Philippine Agenda 21 (1997) identified stakeholders of development programs to
include other disadvantaged groups such as workers in the informal sector, women, children and youth,
persons with disabilities, elderly, disaster victims and overseas Filipino workers.

From 1994 to 1998, series of regional seminars discussed sustainable tourism and ecotourism
concepts and elements of sustainable tourism development framework were identified and key issues
defined. It was during this period that the DOT and other agencies such as the Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the DENR, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the
National Museum collaborated in fostering ecotourism. Afterwards, in 1999. then President Joseph Ejercito
Estrada issued Executive Order (EO) 111, which created a national ecotourism strategy and program for
the promotion and development of ecotourism in the country, and the National Ecotourism Development
Council (NEDC). The NEDC was 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.
Under the NEDC, National Ecotourism Steering Committee (NESC) and Regional Ecotourism Committees
(RECs) were established and tasked to implement programs and activities approved by the NEDC. An
Ecotourism Technical Working Group (ETWG) was likewise formed to provide technical and administrative
support to the NEDC and the NESC. Altogether, they were referred to as the “EO 111 Bodies.”

In 2001, newly installed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, appointed former Senator Richard
Gordon Secretary of the DO. With his experience as a former brand manager of Procter and Gamble
Philippines and chairman of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Gordon placed the Philippines in the
international tourism map by actively marketing the Philippines in several tourism expositions and road
*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 2
shows with the “Wow Philippines” campaign strategy winning awards at ITB and WTM. From 2002, after
four years of negative growth and in spite of threats of terror post 9-11, Abu
Sayyaf kidnappings, SARS, Oakwood Mutiny, tourism arrival increased heavily. He also encouraged
domestic tourism by holding regional events and having provincial destinations showcased
at Intramuros and the rationalization of Holiday Economics. He was the principal author of the National
Tourism Policy Act of 2009 or Republic Act 9593, declaring a national policy for tourism as an engine of
investment and employment, growth and national development that was signed by President Arroyo in
Cebu on May 12, 2009, and witnessed by the country's tourism private sector.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Gordon_(politician))

The concept of “Wow Philippines” drew attention from local and foreign tourists. Since then, foreign
nationals came to the Philippines in flock all throughout the year to visit almost all the islands of the country
to see its beautiful places, people and culture. Various campaign strategies were employed and
information materials disseminated to heighten awareness of interested/would be visitors regarding places
to go, things to do and souvenirs available when they come to the Philippines.

In all regions across the Philippine islands, Executive Legislative Agenda of all Provinces included
tourism-related programs/projects aimed at establishing their respective province as one of the premiere
destinations in the Philippines, and promoting it as a world class destination in eco-tourism, re-creation,
convention, history and culture. In Laguna, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the passing of the
Resolution on the Laguna Tourism Code last June 22, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
The Tourism Code is an ordinance enacting the code governing the operations and activities of all persons,
firms, entities and establishments that engage in the tourism business in the province of Laguna. Through
the passing of the Tourism Code, the LGUs and the private sector in the province will have a better tourism
direction and guided operation for better service to the tourists. (Article by: Ana Maria T. Tamban in
http://www.laguna.gov.ph/content/tourism-council-laguna-lauds-passing-tourism-code).

In Laguna, promotions were actively coordinated by the Provincial Capitol under the administration of
Governor Jorge “E.R.” Ejercito Estregan, Jr. The Governor envisioned to rebuild a new Laguna where
productive, educated, healthy, and morally-upright citizens work and live a prosperous, ecologically-sound,
and peaceful environment. With the strong commitment of the Provincial Government to establish and
promote the province as one of the premiere tourist destinations in the country, it is imperative to examine
the gender-sensitivity of its ecotourism program, to validate and ensure that it is meeting the expectations
of all its stakeholders. Over the last 20 years, ecotourism has evolved as conservation of a community. It
has brought the promise of achieving conservation goals, improving the well-being of local communities,
and generating new businesses (PCAARRD, 2013).

Over the last 20 years, ecotourism has evolved as conservation of a community. It has brought the
promise of achieving conservation goals, improving the well-being of local communities, and generating
new businesses (PCAARRD, 2013). Nowadays, ecotourism is fast becoming a buzzword for both local and
foreign tourists, nature enthusiasts, and other individuals who view nature and nature-based tourism as
educational, recreational, and a form of relaxation. With the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) current slogan
“It’s more fun in the Philippines!” and the many positive responses to it, the national government expect a
big lift in the country’s tourism industry. However, limited data and statistics have been documented and
reported to date.

*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 3
 Ecotourism is defined in so many ways and so many words to emphasize that it involves the following:
travel, admiration, enjoyment, conservation, planning, organizing, implementing, managing, policy
formulation, linkaging/collaboration, socio-cultural and socio-economic concerns, marketing and promotion,
among others.

The World Trade Organization and the United Nations Environmental Program state that “ecotourism
involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas to specifically study, admire and enjoy the scenery
and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects found in those areas.” The Pacific
Asia Travel Association (PATA) defines ecotourism, as “ a form of tourism inspired primarily by the natural
history of an area, including its indigenous cultures. Moreso, the Ecotourism Society defines it as
“purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking
care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the
conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.” On the other hand, the Haribon Foundation
viewed ecotourism as one that has maximum economic benefits, but with minimum environmental and
social impact.

The International Ecotourism Society defines it as “ the responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.” The World Conservation Union
(IUCN) states that “ecotourism is the environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively
undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features
– both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for
beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations.”

In the Welcome Remarks delivered by Dr. William D. Dar, former Executive Director of the Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) during
the Symposium-Workshop on Ecological Tourism held at PCARRD, Los Baños Laguna in 1997, he
confimed that ecological tourism is certainly a potent tool to promote the appreciation and care for the
environment and our natural resources. He opined that only when people understand and appreciate
something, that they meaningfully participate in its care and maintenance. Similarly, Ong, Afuang, and
Rosell-Ambol (2002) concluded that responsible stewardship for the remaining natural systems and their
associated species assemblages will enable Filipinos continue to enjoy the great diversity of natural
resources and their benefits and services.

Ecotourism in the Philippines is a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage
area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, cultural 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 satisfaction of visitors. Ecotourism helps
in sustaining the development of the country as it aims to protect our natural resources, on which the
ecotourism industry depends. Ecotourism aims to minimize impact, build environmental and cultural
awareness and respect, provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, provide direct financial
benefits for conservation, provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people, and raise
sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate. (http://en.wikipilipinas.org)

*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 4
 According to the World Trade organization (WTO) (2001), world tourism grew by an estimated 7.4% in
2000. Over 698 million (M) people traveled to a foreign country in 2000 spending more than US$ 476 bilion
(B) while the fastest growing developing area is East Asia and the Pacific with a growth rate of 14%. The
WTO estimates that nature tourism generate 7% of all international travel expenditures. Meanwhile, the
World Resources Institute (WRI) found that nature travel has been growing at an annual rate of 10-30%.

The trend can be attributed to the global increase in environmental interest. With which, travelers
seek to go to most remote places, those closer to jungles/forests. But in 2000, as a result of recession,
international travel slowed down, and growth in arrivals observed only during summers.

Based on secondary documents gathered by PCAARRD (2013), Philippine tourism grew steadily
despite the downward trend observed with international tourism in terms of contribution to the global
economy. Records showed that in 2007, tourist arrivals breached the 3 M mark with 3.09 M visitors, which
generated foreign exchange receipts amounting to US$ 4.885 B. In 2008, arrivals grew by 1.53%, an influx
of 3.14 M visitors.

There are many different benefits that can be derived from ecotourism if it is used as a tool by local
communities rather than large outside interests. Whether called nature tourism or ecotourism, recreational
and educational travel based on natural attractions is a promising means of advancing social, economic,
and environmental objectives in developing countries. It offers countries opportunities for small-enterprise
investment and employment and increases the national stake in protecting their biological resources.
However, making ecotourism a positive economic and environmental tool requires policies that foster
responsible nature tourism development, broad-based and active local participation in its benefits, and
conservation of developing countries' biological heritage.

A recent USAID evaluation has identified ecotourism as an enterprise with potential positive
contributions to the conservation of endangered biological resources. (See Synthesis Report Stemming the
Loss of Biological Diversity: An Assessment of USAID Support for Protected-Area Management, July
1995). Contributions of ecotourism include raising local awareness about the value of biological resources,
increasing local participation in the benefits of biodiversity conservation (through new sources of jobs and
incomes), and generating revenues toward conservation of biologically rich areas. Wildlife and its habitats
in developing countries are becoming increasingly popular attractions for international tourism.
(http://untamedpath.com/eco-tours/benefits-of-ecotourism.shtml 2/3)

While visitors continue to enjoy travelling to natural parks and wildlife areas, the various activities that
tourists do such as hunting, fishing, logging, agriculture contribute to the damages created to forest and
marine habitats in the area . Where areas have been officially reserved for nature conservation, some local
governments lack sufficient funds to manage and protect them. Growing numbers of ecotourists are
flocking to the mountains of Mt. Maria Makiling in Laguna, Mt. Giting-Giting in Romblon, Mt. Banahaw in
Quezon, the tropical forests and mangroves, and the beaches from Northern to Southern parts of the
Philippines.

Nature tourists bring with them money to spend, money that creates jobs and incomes for households
and communities in and around national parks and other protected areas. Ecotourism enterprises, tour
agencies and guide services, lodges and private reserves as well as such satellite activities as crafts
industries and transportation and food services, also generate revenues and foreign exchange. With proper
*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 5
regulation and management to protect against adverse environmental and cultural effects that can come
with overbuilding of tourist facilities and influx of populations around fragile ecosystem, nature tourism can
benefit both the environment and economic development.

Ecotourism activities will always have significant impacts, either positive or negative --- on the social,
economic, and environmental dimensions of the host community, in general. An example is the park fee
which could be made obligatory on the part of the visitors. Some are adamant to accept the development
of tourism because they fear the destruction it may bring to the beauty of the area as in the case of Puerto
Galera in Mindoro and Pagsanjan in Laguna. Other industries such as logging and dynamite fishing are
destructive to the environment and counter to ecotourism (Libosada 1997). It may raise conflict of natural
park and mining, destruct/exploit ecotourism areas caused by the visitors/tourists (Sinha 1997). It could
also build traffic congestion and cause problems on waste management. But on a positive note, it would
generate income for local residents, improve roads and build infrastructures, as well as promote the wealth
of natural resources and cultural heritage of the locality.

On the other hand and in particular, ecotourism has full impact on the growth, development,
empowerment, and access to resources of women and children in the host communities. Possible impacts
could include livelihood opportunities, job creation, ecotourism as a front for drug and human trafficking,
sexual harassment and prostitution, incidence of criminality, theft and/or robbery, and exploitation of the
minors.

Dayo (2011) analyzed the paradoxical situation of Ivatan women whose spaces and places are used,
valued, and struggled over not only to protect their independent sources of income and livelihood but also
to preserve the diversity in local flora and fauna. Her paper concluded inherent skills, especially of women,
both in agriculture and other livelihood enterprise, made indigenous people progressive. She confirmed that
while development policies and programs are geared toward greater participation of indigenous people, the
same program fails to contextualize and locate indigenous women whose productive-reproductive roles and
worldviews revolve around domestic needs and requirements of the family.

Libosada (1997) concluded that tourism is not acceptable if it harms the environment; damages our
culture; and exploits and degrades our people, especially our women and children.

This review of literatures proves that indeed, ecotourism is a potent strategy for development.
However, more efforts are necessary to establish proper coordination, monitoring, evaluation and
documentation of respective project success or failure to ensure that contributions to development could be
sustained.

*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 6
References:

Aala, A. 1997. Community-based Ecoturism. In: Sustainable Livelihood Options for the Philippines:
An information Kit. 1 – Upland Ecosystem. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. Philippines.

ACIAR. Country Profile: Philippines. 2007.

ADB. Development Asia. January-March 2012 .www.development.asia.@2012 Asian Development Bank

..52p- (ISSN 1998-7528)

Alejandrino, A.M.. (n.d.) Ecotourism in the Philippines. In:http://www.apo-tokyo.org/gp/e publi/gplinkeco/

22chapter20.pdf.

____. Benefits of Ecotourism | Sustainable Tourism & Responsible Travel. In

(http://untamedpath.com/eco-tours/benefits-of-ecotourism.shtml 2/3)

Cereno, R. (2014). Ecotourism Development: Mindingt he Conservation of Nature and Culture.

Class Lecture, NRC 232: Ecotourism. 1st Semester SY 2014-2015. UPLB, Los Banos, Laguna.

Daguplo, F.P., L.A. Garcia, F.M. Salomes, E.C. Macapobre, M.D. de Jose., E.T Ventura, L.L. Balucan.
2002. Sustainable Development Through Community Based Participatory Action Research. In:
Research Management Components: Innovation and Policy Advocacy Through Proactive R&D
Management. Vol. XVI Special Issue. Research Management Center, University of the Philippines,
Los Baños, College, Laguna. Philippines. 88-p. (11th PHILARM Convention).

Dayo, H.F. Does Nature Determine the Gendered Spaces in Indigenous Society? A Look at the
Ivatan Farming System and Food Sovereignty. In: http://journals.upd.
edu.ph/index.php/kasarinlan/article/viewArticle/3499.

Dayo, H.F., J.V. Camacho, Jr., and A. Bello. (n.d.) IVATAN Women in the Philippines at the Crossroad
of Market Integration In:https://editorialexpress.com/conference/IAFFE2009/program/IAFFE2009.html

Gonsalves, J., T.Becker, A. Braun, D. Campilan, H. De Chavez, E. Fajber, M. Kapiriri, J. Rivaca-Camanide

and R. Vernooy (eds).2005. Participatory Research and Development for Sustainable Agriculture
and Natural Resource Management: A Sourcebook. Volume 1: Understanding Participatory
Research and Development and Volume 3: Doing Participatory Research and Development.
International Potato Center-Users’ Perspectives with Agricultural Research and Development, Laguna,
Philippines and International Development Research Center, Ottawa, Canada.

NEDA, PCW, ODA. (n.d) Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines for Project Development,
Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation . Second Edition, Third Printing. Asian Development Bank.
In: http://www.neda.gov.ph/ hgdg/main/HGDG%20Manual %20Main%20Pullout.pdf

Olsen, K.. (n.d.) Examples of Ecotourism. In: http://www.trails.com/list_11098_examples-ecotourism-

philippines.html#ixzz2 OiMmohGM.
*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 7
Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang, and R. G. Rosell-Ambal (eds.) 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation
Priorities: A Second Iteration of the National Biodiverity Strategy and Action Plan .DENR-
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Conservatioin International Philippines, Biodiverity Conservation
Program-UP Center for Integrated and Development Sudies, and Foundation for the Phil. Envt, Quezon
City, Philippines

PCARRD . 1997. Ecotourism . Los Baños, Laguna 108p-(Summary of Poceedings No.2/1997)

PCAARRD. Planning ad Developing Community-Based Ecotourism Projects in the Philippines. Los

Banos, Laguna: PCAARRD-DOST, 2013. 11p.-(Book Series No. 181/2013; Reprint)

PCSD Sub-Committee on Informqqion and Education. Understanding the Phil Agenda 21 : A

PopularBook Version. 1998 Philippine Council for Sustainable Development, Integrated
Environmental Managment for Sustainable Development Programme. Manila 99-p.

Roslin, MAY.A., J.P. Maga, A.B. Rosales, R. Cereno, N.E. Tapay. (n.d.) Social impact of ecotourism on
the behavior of students on educational field trips to Makiling Botanic Gardens in the University
of the Philippines Los Baños. In: http://www.usm.
edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=484:social-impact-of-ecotourism-on-the-
behavior-of-students-on-educational-field-trips-to-makiling-botanic-gardens-in-the-university-of-the-
philippines-los-banos&catid=135:rad-january-to-june-2009&Itemid=464.
Torkelsson, A. 2003. Gender in Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation. In: Conservation and
Sustainable Use of Agricultural Biodiversity: A Sourcebook. Volume 1: Understanding
Agricultural Biodiversity. International Potato Center-Users’ Perspectives With Agricutural Research
and Development, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 3 Volumes

_____. Ecotourism. In: http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ec/Ecotourism.

_____. Ecotourism in the Philippines. Original content from WikiPilipinas (http://www.wikipilipinas.org) .

under GNU Free Documentation License (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?
title=GNU_Free_Documentation_License) . See full disclaimer (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?
title=WikiPilipinas:_The_Philippine_Encyclopedia:General_disclaimer). Retrieved from
"http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Ecotourism_in_the_Philippines&oldid=274821"
Categories: Geography Travel Featured Articles for Main Page

*Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of DVST 399: Graduate Seminar, First Semester SY
2014-2015, under the supervision of Dr. Bing Brillo, CPAF, UPLB, College, Laguna. Page 8