CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Central Luzon reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable ecotourism as seven legislated Protected Areas (PAs) presented their Ecotourism Management Plans (EMPs) during the 2025 first semester meeting of the Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC).
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3 jointly organized the meeting, which brought together stakeholders to promote responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
The Roosevelt Protected Landscape, Dinadiawan River Protected Landscape, Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, Amro River Protected Landscape, Simbahan Talagas Protected Landscape, Talaytay Protected Landscape, and Bataan Natural Park each outlined their strategies for balancing tourism development with biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
DOT Regional Director and REC Chairperson Richard Daenos led the discussions, encouraging participants to share best practices, identify challenges, and emphasize stakeholder involvement in shaping effective EMPs.
The meeting fostered collaboration among local stakeholders, government agencies, and environmental experts, all dedicated to ensuring the sustainable management of these vital natural areas.
This initiative builds on the earlier presentation of EMPs by five other PAs: Talavera Watershed and Forest Reserve, Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed and Forest Reserve, Minalungao National Park, Biak na Bato National Park, and Aurora Memorial National Park, during the REC’s second semester meeting in October 2024.
These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the value of sustainable tourism, setting a positive example for other regions to follow.
They underscore the commitment to developing ecotourism with responsibility, care, and sustainability. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)