Cabilauan, New Lucena: a model barangay for ecotourism
A haven
*The area is now being developed for commercial and recreational purposes with native cottages ideal for picnic
Ecotourism is one of the most important tourism programs in the Philippines and is linked to the value we place on indigenous culture and to areas unspoiled by commercial development. The promotion and safeguarding of ecotourism areas is one priority program for it can be a source of income due to its tourist-drawing potentials.
A good source of water
For the province of Iloilo, identified ecotourism sites such as the Bulabog Puti-an Conservation Park in Dingle; Mari-it Wildlife and Conservation Park in the vicinity of WVSU in Lambunao, and; the pine-clad mountain ranges of Bucari in Leon, are well-promoted for its tourism potentials and seen to improve working conditions of the people in the community. However, the challenge is for the project stakeholders to ensure the best economic opportunities while maintaining these sites of cultural identity and heritage.
The prime movers with officials of
Brgy Cabilauan
In New Lucena, a town in the central part of the province, 28.4 kilometers away from the city of Iloilo, Barangay Cabilauan, a model barangay for ecotourism is seen to enhance the town's financial and technical resources as well as increase tourism.
Considered a growth center, Barangay Cabilauan, one of the 21 barangays comprising the town. The area is now being developed for commercial and recreational purposes with native cottages ideal for picnic and could be reached via tricycle that ply regularly in the area. With safe drinking water coming from a natural well, it can be enjoyed due to its safe and wholesome community and peopled by peace-loving and family-oriented individuals. The community established a union anchored on ecotourism centered on improving the plight of the people by reshaping the community through an appeal for generous sharing and the practice of social responsibility as a way of life for the people.
Prof Agustin Arcena, Elinda Sucaldito,
Prof Efren Sucaldito and Raffy Galan
With the ever-changing interplay of natural and human-made hazards to sites and compounded by varying political agendas, making the preservation of these areas becomes a complicated endeavor. However, with the dedicated efforts of ERLINDA GAN VALENSOY, proponent and chairman of Eko-turismo sa Barangay, the program has rapidly taken its root and galvanized into action for New Lucena. Also committed to the project are a team from the faculty of Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus namely Prof. Efren Sucaldito, Prof. Agustin Arcena, and Raffy Galan whose efforts, expertise and resources contributed to making ecotourism a by-word for the model barangay headed by Barangay Captain Felipe Sobremisana and members of his Sangguniang Barangay. The community learned that organizing this project promotes group identity, maintains the link with project partners, and preserves a sense of identity.