Central Luzon reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism as seven legislated Protected Areas (PAs) presented their Ecotourism Management Plans (EMPs) during the first semester meeting of the Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) for 2025.
Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3, the meeting gathered key stakeholders to push forward ecotourism practices rooted in environmental protection and community involvement.
The protected areas that presented their EMPs were:
- Roosevelt Protected Landscape
- Dinadiawan River Protected Landscape
- Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape
- Amro River Protected Landscape
- Simbahan Talagas Protected Landscape
- Talaytay Protected Landscape
- Bataan Natural Park
Each site detailed plans to develop tourism sustainably while protecting biodiversity and preserving natural resources.
DOT Regional Director and REC Chairperson Richard Daenos led the discussions, urging the sharing of best practices, identification of challenges, and active participation of local communities in the implementation of ecotourism programs.
The meeting also served to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, environmental experts, and local stakeholders.
This builds on the progress made during the October 2024 REC meeting, where five other protected areas presented their EMPs: Talavera Watershed and Forest Reserve, Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed and Forest Reserve, Minalungao National Park, Biak na Bato National Park, and Aurora Memorial National Park.
With these initiatives, Central Luzon continues to lead by example in promoting ecotourism that is responsible, inclusive, and sustainable. (PIA 3 – Pampanga)
