In a bid to bolster sustainable and inclusive tourism around Mt. Pinatubo, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III recently convened an inter-agency consultation meeting with key regional and local stakeholders.
The meeting, held to align efforts in trail management, site security, and environmental compliance, brought together tourism officials from the local government units (LGUs) of Capas and Botolan, as well as representatives from the provincial governments of Tarlac and Zambales. Also in attendance were officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region III, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region III.
DOT-III Regional Director Richard G. Daenos led the discussions, which centered on current tourism activities, particularly the recent reopening of Pinatubo’s trails that have seen a marked increase in tourist bookings.
The consultation also tackled measures to strengthen site accessibility and safety, while prioritizing regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. Participating agencies underscored the importance of community involvement and capacity-building initiatives as essential components of a long-term tourism roadmap.
The meeting reflects a unified commitment among stakeholders to position the Mt. Pinatubo area as a model for responsible, community-centered tourism that protects both cultural heritage and the natural environment.