DANGLAS TOURISM WRITE UP

DRAFT

Introduction

In 2018 the Provincial Government of Abra had planned to revitalize its tourism program, the Consultant was
hired to realize this objective. Of the twenty-seven (27) municipalities, Danglas was seen as one with a high
potential for developing an eco-tourism program. Its location, attractions, and activities were all geared
towards developing its potential as a municipality with a sustainable eco-tourism program.

The determination of the local government unit of Danglas would prove as an advantage in this endeavor.
Mayor Denise Florence B. Bragas is firm in developing the municipality as one of the first eco-tourism
destinations in the province. In line with this Mayor Bragas has decided to create development programs for
eco-tourism in the municipality. This is in line with her campaign promise to develop the municipality’s
tourism potential.

This write up shall serve as a foundation and guide to the sustainable tourism development of the
Municipality of Danglas.

Rationale and Tourism Development Visions: Danglas, Abra

Two years ago, the Provincial Government of Abra wanted to develop a provincial tourism program for all
twenty-seven municipalities in the province, one of the most cooperative and determined municipalities was
Danglas. Mayor Bragas had made it her priority during her campaign and through her term of office to put
Danglas on the map as an eco-tourism destination in province. Sadly, in 2019 the Consultant had ended his
contract with the provincial office and the tourism development programs were put on hold.

This year the Mayor’s priority to develop tourism in Danglas has been revitalized, the main goals are to
develop theeco-tourism programs in the municipality and attract medium term investments in the
municipality. This in turn would increase municipal income and alleviate the living situation of the locality.

The Consultant envisions that thorough a properly guided tourism development plan the municipality may
increase economic activity, which in turn will reduce poverty, protect the surrounding ecology, raise
environmental awareness, and protect indigenous peoples’ rights.

The municipality of Danglas, envisions a robust and thriving eco-tourism industry to reach the status of being
an eco-tourism destination in Abra. In line with this, the alleviation of poverty, protection of the
environment, and the recognition and protection for indigenous people will hopefully be achieved.

The municipality of Danglas is guided by the vision of the Consultant in developing tourism in the municipality
two years ago. It is also guided by the vision of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Local Government Code
(LGU Code) that local government units develop a sustainable tourism program. Tourism is seen as a multi-
sectoral industry that may help in the over development of local government units.

Thus, the rationale behind the tourism development of the municipality is to develop the said local
government unit and improve the lives of its locality.

Scope and Delimitation

This tourism write-up will focus on developing the tourism potential of the municipality of Danglas, its
attractions and the necessary developments of support facilities, training of personnel, accommodations, and
activities.

Development plans will be drawn for the municipality’s key attractions alongside activities that can be tied to
these sites and possibilities of tourism attraction circuits.

Destination Assessment

Location and Topography. The municipality of Danglas is located 16.4 Kilometers from the provincial capital
of Bangued approximately a thirty-minute drive. The municipality is landlocked, surrounded by mountainous
areas, a river system, and elevated areas. The total land area is approximately 156 square kilometers.

Population. Based on the 2015 census, the municipality has a population of 4,192 composed of 873
households.

Economic Status. The municipality is a 5th level municipal income class with a poverty incidence of 21.44% in
2016. In that same year it had a revenue of around fifty-nine million pesos (PHP 59, 173,704.57). The
municipality is heavily dependent on agriculture, mostly palay, corn, vegetable, and fruits. Other products are
rattan and bamboo based.

Climate. The municipality has a tropical rainforest climate. During the latter months of the year up until
February the municipality experiences cold climate due to its elevation and surrounding mountains.

Forest Cover. The municipality is surrounded by forested areas.

Language. The language spoken in the municipality is Itneg (local Ilocano dialect), Ilocano, and Filipino. Other
languages spoken by the indigenous people in the area has not be recorded.

Infrastructure and Utilities. The municipality has an ample supply of electricity and water. Communications
are available via mobile telecommunication providers. Cable television is available. Waste management is at
a municipal level and the municipality has no sewage treatment facility.

Safety and Security. The municipality is covered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) with a main station
at the municipal hall. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has its battalion camp within the province as
well.

These assessments on the destination level will need in-depth assessment and recommendations moving
forward.

Tourism Assessment

Attractions

The following are the existing and potential attractions in the municipality of Danglas

1. Sagao View Deck – Located in Barangay Nagaparan, the Sagao View Deck offers an overlooking
view of the municipality and areas beyond. Bangued can be spotted from the view deck along with
the surrounding mountainous area and Abra River. It is a stop frequented by locals and visitors who
take the Arbra-Ilocos Norte Road. The picturesque background provides visitors a photo opportunity.
The area has a protective barrier and has been manicured to accommodate a few small vehicles and
motorcycles. The area is managed by the local government of Danglas.

2. Damdamuen View Deck and Picnic Grounds – Located also in Barangay Nagaparan, the
Damdamuen View Deck and Picnic grounds is located 15 kilometers from the Poblacion or municipal
center of Danglas. It is a wide area ideal for camping and picnicking. It provides a view of the
mountain range that surrounds the municipalities of Bangued and Danglas. The area is surrounded
by large pine trees similar to Baguio and Sagada, the temperature is also similar. It is easily accessed
as it is next to the main road. A barrier is placed in the area for protection and a designated bonfire
area is also found here. Two sets of segregated trash bins are also provided for. Ideal for camping
and picnics the area may hold a maximum of twenty to thirty (20-30) people. The area is managed by
the local government of Danglas.

3. Meditation and Reflection Park – Located in the same area as the Damdamuen View Deck and
Picnic Grounds, the meditation and reflection park is usually frequented by visitors during the holy
week season. During said time the municipality sets an area for the stations of the cross for devotees
who come to the area to pray, meditate, and offer penance. The area is managed by the local
government of Danglas.

4. Mountain Bike and Trail Running Park – In 2018 the Consultant along with the municipal tourism
officer and his implements assessed an area a few kilometers from the Damdaumen View Deck. The
area had the potential for a mountain bike trail and trail running course. The said team had mapped
and done an ocular of the site to plot the course for bikes and runners. This may still need
development. The area is managed by the local government of Danglas.

5. Highest Point Campsite – Located approximately twenty to thirty kilometers (20-30 kms.) is the
highest point campsite, located in the area of Mt. Sedir, a local mountain area in the municipality of
Danglas. A short hike will lead to summit, the area for hiking is ideal for entry level hikers. The area
before the hiking path is ideal for a campsite. The summit provides a beautiful vantage point to take
in the mountainous area surrounding the municipality of Danglas. The area is managed by the local
government of Danglas.

6. Philippine Serpent Eagle Watchpoint – Located in the same area as the highest point campsite at
Mt. Sedir the Philippine Serpent Eagle Watchpoint is found in the area of Mt. Sedir. The mountain is
identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the home of the
Philippine Serpent Eagle sightings of the eagle have been certified by the DENR. This is an additional
site that may be tied up with the highest point campsite. The area is managed by the local
government of Danglas.

7. Century Old Tree – Approximately a kilometer away from the area of Mt. Sedir the Century Old
Tree can be found. This tree is the largest among the other trees found in the area, it is also the
oldest. At the time of its assessment, the Consultant and his team were informed that the age, type,
and condition of the tree was assessed by the DENR through a sample sent to the regional office.
More details on the tree have yet to be learned. The area is home to other similar trees and others, a
path is present for hiking and nature walks. The area is managed by the local government of Danglas.

8. Solidarity Park, Abra-Ilocos Norte Boundary – Passed the century old tree, at the boundary of Abra
and Ilocos Norte is a solidarity park built for travelers going to and from Abra and Ilocos Norte.
Further study will be needed to assess and provide recommendations. The area is managed by the
local government of Danglas.
9. Cave Systems – The Tabong Cave and two other cave systems are potential areas for study for
tourists. At the time the Consultant was only able to visit the Tabong Cave, although a promising
area for tourism, more information is needed and a way to fix the accessibility issue will be required
to include the caves in the tourism program. The area is managed by the local government of
Danglas.

10. Anigag River – Located in barangay Danglas, the river area provides for an ideal river side
camping site. The area is also ideal for minor river activities like kayaking and swimming. The
campsite is along the river. The feasibility of it as a river camp area will need further study,
accessibility is no issue as the area is easily traversed by vehicles. The area is managed by the local
government of Danglas.

Activities.

At the moment there were no actual recorded activities for the eco-tourism sites in the municipality.
The activities were merely suggested by the municipal tourism officer at the time or were the logical
activities that were suggested by the Consultant in his capacity as a tourism officer. Activities will be
recommended in the latter part of the write up on the assessment of the tourist attractions.

Accommodations.

The municipality has no record of accommodation establishments in the area. All visitors either have
homes as residents or find accommodations in the municipality of Bangued due to its close proximity
to Danglas. There is also no record of alternative accommodation facilities such as homestays or
Airbnb accommodations.

Amenities.

The municipality at the time, did not have amenities that would cater to large number of visitors. It
did have a public restroom at the municipal hall, information desk at the PNP station next to the
municipal hall, small stores and a food stall along the main road. But these would not be enough to
attend to large numbers of people.

Accessibility.

The municipality of Danglas is quite accessible, the municipal hall is 16.4 kilometers from the
municipal capital, Bangued, it will take a 30-minute drive to reach the Poblacion of Danglas. The
other sites are nearby at approximately 30-45 minutes away from the Poblacion. The attractions are
all located along the main road (Abra-Ilocos Norte Road) which makes access easy by any mode of
transportation. The local transport is by tricycle or commuter jeepneys by the times are constricting
as the trips have designated time slots.

Private vehicles will have no issues in the area.

Administration.

The municipality is governed by a mayor-council form of local government under the provincial
government of Abra. The municipality has its own councils for different sectors. A tourism office is
available and complements the municipal tourism officer. A Sangguniang Bayan is also present to
 decide on municipal matters alongside the mayor. The municipal administration is committed to
developing the municipality for a sustainable tourism program.

Site Assessment and Recommendations

1. Sagao View Deck.

The Sagao View Deck has the potential of being a tourist attraction thanks to the picturesque
background it offers visitors. Perfect for photo opportunities and as an observation deck to view
mountains and the river system of Abra, the attraction is ideal for visitors coming into Abra or
heading out via the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road. Its accessibility is obvious and the deck has a protective
barrier.

This may be made into the first stop for those heading to the Damdamuen area or Mt. Sedir area. It
may also be made as a stop for those coming into Abra along the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road. Activities
here may include, photo opportunities, nature viewing, and passenger rest stops.

The following recommendations may be applied. A more permanent signage will be needed to
identify the site. An information panel identifying what the visitors are seeing will also be helpful and
increase awareness on environmental protection. A background may be provided on Danglas and
Abra as a way to educate visitors on the province and its history.

The site will need a system for waste management, possible eco-friendly comfort rooms, information
and registry desk. Maintenance for cleanliness and order will also be necessary. Designated parking
spaces for vehicles. This may be tied up with other sites further up the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road as a
circuit method tour.

2. Damdamuen View Deck and Picnic Grounds.

The Damdamuen area has a strong potential to attract visitors thanks to its large area, picturesque
view, and camp and picnic ready amenities. The ground area is ideal for camping for small to
medium groups at a maximum of 30 persons. The short trail around the area may be designed for a
short nature hike. The designated bonfire area is ideal for those staying overnight. The surrounding
nature will immerse visitors in a mountainous forest area. Located next to the main road,
accessibility will not be an issue. Proximity to the municipality will ensure a flow of supplies and
emergency needs if necessary.

The area has already been landscaped to accommodate campers and view deck visitors. The area will
need a strict monitoring of waste management and bonfire building. Additional trash segregated bins
will be necessary, an eco-friendly public toilet may be placed in the area. Designated watchers and
guards will be necessary when visitors will stay overnight. Guides will be necessary if the hike path
near the campsite will be expanded as an added activity.

Activities will center around camping, viewing, stargazing, hiking, and picnics.

The site may be tied alongside the meditation and reflection park, mountain bike and train running
park, and the attractions at Mt. Sedir.

3. Meditation and Reflection Park.

 The Meditation and Reflection Park is a viable attraction which may be developed to accommodate
visitors all year round, not only during the holy week season. The stations of the cross may be placed
as permanent fixtures which are eco-friendly. A meditation park or area may be placed for other
religious groups or for those who wish to take in the environment and meditate.

Activities may include those religious in nature (stations of the cross, prayer areas, and meditation
spots). The park may accommodate other religious orders and be a peaceful retreat for those who
wish to meditate, reflect, and rest their minds. This may also be designed as a nature hike for those
who want to pair their religious activities with hiking or light walking.
The area will need a waste segregation system, information desk, watchers for times of increased
tourist activities. Maintenance personnel, signages for safety guidelines, and eco-friendly restrooms.
A safety barrier will also be needed to prevent visitors wandering off.

The site may be tied in with other activities in the area as a circuit.

4. Mountain Bike and Trail Running Park.

In 2018 the Consultant and a team from the municipal tourism office of Danglas had assessed a wide
expanse of land which included rolling hills, flat areas, and ascents which would be perfect for trail
biking and running. The area was assessed and mapped for this purpose. Unfortunately, the site was
not tested and did not reach the operational stage. The opportunity now presents itself to develop
the said area.

Activities in the area include trail mountain biking, trail running, bike camping, mountain bike races,
and trail running events. Its accessibility makes it ideal for local adventure seekers and visitors.

The site will have to be assessed by experts which the Consultant may provide. A re-mapping and
track analysis and assessment will be needed to accommodate basic, intermediate, and advanced
rides and runners. Eco-friendly facilities for waste management, comfort rooms, and camping or
resting will be needed.

A marshal or guide shall be necessary to watch over visitors and relay to the municipality emergency
assistance when needed. A parking area for transport vehicles will be necessary as well as a stall for
basic needs for visitors (food and refreshment).

The site and its activities may be tied into other attraction close by.

5. Highest Point Campsite.

Located in Mt. Sedir, the highest point campsite is ideal for campers and hikers who wish to reach of
the mountain to view the full area of mountains in Abra. The wide area is ideal for large numbers of
visotors. The easy access via main road is ideal for a variety of vehicles.

Activities in the area will include, off road 4x4 camping, traditional camping, hiking, star gazing, and
other camp activities. Assessors who are experts in the field will be needed to give recommendations
on the carrying capacity, waste management, comfort room set up, and activities which may be
safely conducted in the area.
 Waste management, comfort room, and other facilities will be needed in the area, a team for
emergency and security purposes will be needed for guests staying overnight or longer. Guides will
be needed for camp management, maintenance, and cleanliness.

The site and its activities may be tied in with other sites and activities in the area as a single circuit
set-up. More on this will be recommended upon a full ocular inspection.

6. Philippine Serpent Eagle Watchpoint.

Located within a short distance from the highest point camp site the Philippine Serpent Eagle
Watchpoint is an added attraction and activity for visitors to partake in.

Easily accessible and certified by the DENR the area is perfect for viewing the Philippine Serpent
Eagle, the wide area of land is ideal for camping, star gazing, and other camp and recreational
activities, and environmental awareness programs or educational trips. The DENR will be needed to
assess the environmental impact of visitors on the habitat of the Philippine Serpent Eagle.

The Consultant recommends the hiring of assessors to analyze the watchpoint, its possibility for a
campsite and other amenities for visitors. The priority is that the eagles be protected and their way
of life not be disrupted.

The site may be tied in closely with the highest point campsite as both are next to one another. It
may be tied into other activities in the area of the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road.

7. Century Old Tree.

The century old tree is a testament to the wonder of nature. The largest tree is estimated to be more
than 100-years old. Other trees in the area are similar to the century old tree, there are also other
trees in the area. It is easily accessed as the site is close to the main road (Abra-Ilocos Norte Road).
The DENR has yet to report on the findings of the century old tree. It will be needed so as to establish
the relevance of said tree as an attraction.

Activities in the area may include nature hikes, forest bathing, educational nature tours, and
botanical hikes. Assessors will be needed to study the viability of the area to accommodate more
visitors, trail creation, and to identify the various flora and fauna in the area.

Amenities for visitors (comfort rooms, rest areas, and waste management) will also be looked into as
well as the carrying capacity of the area and the environmental impact of visitors in the area.

The site and accompanying activities may be tied into the eco-tourism circuit tour of the
municipality.

8. Solidarity Park, Abra-Ilocos Norte Road.

A park that signifies the cooperation of Abra and Ilocos-Norte is an ideal rest stop for travelers going
in and out of Abra. It marks the boundary of the two provinces in which the Abra-Ilocos Norte road
traverses. The park ideal for travelers who wish to see the boundary area of the Abra-Ilocos Norte
Road.
 A full ocular visit and assessment will be necessary to lay down the recommendations for activities
and management of the area. Upon assessment and ocular, it may be determined what may be
viable tourist activities for the site.

9. Cave Systems.

Asde from the Tabong Cave, two other caves are located in Barangay Nagaparan. These cave systems
have yet to be fully assessed by the Consultant and the necessary field experts. The Tabong Cave was
visited by the consultant.

As far as the Tabong Cave is concerned, the activities that may be had in the area is caving and
camping. There is a flat area of land near the ascent to the cave which may be a good camp site and
rest stop as a short hike is required to reach the cave.

The cave is filled with thousands of bats and is a very promising site for tourist and tourist activities A
re-assessment will be necessary for full recommendations to be given. One main concern is the
accessibility, access by foot is quite steep and is reserved for those who are physically fit, another
way to the cave may be explored.

10. Anigag River.

The Anigag River and river bed is located twenty (20) minutes from the municipal hall of Danglas. The
riverbed and campsite are accessible via private transport. Public transport does not usually reach
the area unless specifically hired for the task.

The river shore area is good for camping, except during the rainy season wherein the Anigag River
expands exponentially and is unsafe for campers and access will be impossible as the river swells.
Utility vehicles may access the area during the summer months, ideal for camping.

Kayaking, camping, minor water activities, and bonfires are just some of the activities that may be
done in the area. Upstream of the river, fishing may be done as fresh water fish collect at the top of
the river basin. An assessment was made in 2018 and some of the possible activities aside from that
abovementioned are 4x4 off-roading, ATV riding, canoeing, and paddle boarding.

A re-assessment of the area will be necessary to determine the viability of medium to large scale
camping, visitor amenities, maintenance, and environmental impact assessment. The area may need
guides and watchers who are familiar with the area who will be trained in survival and first aid skills
in the event of an emergency.

Conclusion.

This write-up is a basic tourism assessment tool for the municipality of Danglas. This is similar to an inception
and situation analysis report which tests the viability of the municipality to handle an influx of tourist. It will
also guide the municipality to make the necessary preliminary institutional and infrastructure preparations
for tourism development.

From the initial assessment of the Consultant, the municipality of Danglas just as in 2018 has a huge potential
for being an eco-tourism destination in the province of Abra. Its location to the municipal capital, the nature
filled surroundings, and the availability of basic needs makes the municipality a promising eco-tourism
destination.
The sites are close enough to one another to create an eco-tourism circuit program which will maximize the
stay of visitors, both local and foreign. The activities will be nature and adventure centered there will also be
activities for rest, relaxation, and meditation or refection. Reconnecting with nature is the objective may be
center of the municipal tourism program.

In line with this, the municipality of Danglas will need to create, improve, and develop facilities, amenities,
accommodations, and personnel for it to be fit to take in an influx of visitors.

Danglas will have to provide key tourist needs in terms of amenities, establishments or amenities for basic
supplies, food, restaurants, information, comfort rooms, health, and security must be created and not be
located only at the municipal hall area.

Accommodations establishments are also needed for guests who do not wish to camp in the wilderness,
basic homestay accommodations will suffice at the inception of the tourism development program.

Personnel have recently been trained for basic mountaineering courses by members of the Mountaineering
Federation of the Philippines, Inc. A refresher course will be necessary as well as additional training for
rescue, first aid, and emergency management courses for the guides and watchers of different eco-tourism
attractions or sites.

Utilities management and availability will also need careful study, an influx of visitors means additional use
on the basic utilities of the municipality, a study is necessary to determine the capacity and limit of basic
necessities, utilities, waste management, sewage, and similar services in the municipality.

Creating of circuits for attractions and activities will be given additional study so as give visitors the full eco-
tourism experience in Danglas. Full and in-depth ocular, assessments, and study will be needed to tie in these
sites and activities seamlessly.

Detailed recommendations will be given as individual reports during the length of employment of the
Consultant with the municipality of Danglas.