The summit,
which was held in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-IX headed by
Regional Director Mary June Bugante and the Department of Environment Natural
Resources (DENR)-IX headed by Regional Executive Director Arleigh Adorable,
aimed to inform and update the different sector representatives of the
potential ecotourism areas in the city and the efforts being undertaken by
concerned agencies to promote, and at the same time, protect the areas for a
balanced and sustainable tourism in the city.
Councilor
Valesco, City Council Committee Chair for Tourism, said efforts to develop the
city as one of the premier ecotourism destinations in the country started with
the development of Sta. Cruz Islands, known for its “pink” sands. He said all
these were made possible with the city government’s strong partnership with DOT
and DENR in the protection of the islands. Last year, the care of Sta. Cruz
Islands was turned over by DOT to the city government for its development.
RED
Arleigh Adorable said the development of Sta. Cruz was carefully studied to
adhere to existing Philippine laws on ecotourism and environmental protection.
DENR has also identified the 17, 414 hectare-Pasonanca Natural Park, and caves
as ecotourism spots in the city.
“The
Pasonanca Natural Park is home to beautiful flora and fauna, some of which are
endemic to the area like the “Zamboanga Bulbul”, and there are still more that
are yet to be identified. We also have various caves within the city, some of
which with historical value,” Adorable said.
He
added that of the 257 caves found in Zamboanga Peninsula, 149 are found in
Zamboanga City.
DOT-IX
chief Mary June Bugante, on the other hand, talked on potential community-based
tourism activities as tool for poverty reduction and improving the overall
economy of the city. She also presented some challenges the city may face if
the tourism flourishes and how to counter the unwanted, yet unavoidable effects
of development in the said areas.
Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga City Provincial Director Engr. Rolando Acuña
also talked on the importance of the “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) strategy
and the role of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in realizing the
program and contribute to economic growth. He also informed the participants of
the programs and assistance of DTI for the SMEs.
Summit participants
were also taught how to effectively promote the city through media, with Mr.
Charlie Villanueva, Executive Producer and Director of VEZ TV, a local cable
channel here, as resource speaker. (PIA9)