HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROJECT: Tinori-an River Community Based EcoTour: A Sustainable Tourism Approach to Resource Conservation
Proponents: Project Leader: Jescel B. Bito-onon
Rother M. Gaudiel, Roy C. Villanueva, Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., John Vincent Manalo, Nordy D. Siason Jr
Rationale:
The Philippines is regarded as one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world in view of high percentage of endemic plants and animals which are threatened by extinction. Recognizing the diverse natural and cultural resources of the country, Executive Order (EO) No. 111 was issued on 17 June 1999 to establish the guidelines for ecotourism development in the Philippines. The EO likewise created the National Ecotourism Development Council as policy making body, and the National Ecotourism Steering Committee (NESC) and Regional Ecotourism Committees (RECs) as operating arms. In addition, the EO called for the formulation of National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) to provide an integrated management plan for the development of ecotourism (National Ecotourism Strategy, 2002).
Pursuant to the Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, the country’s tourism sector, the Department of Tourism (DOT), position itself as the primary catalyst in developing a highly competitive and environmentally sustainable tourism industry that is focused on creating inclusive growth. Through the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) of 2016-2022 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, the higher education institutions play a vital role in contributing to the development and implementation of strategic actions and action programs guided by the Tourism Guidebook for LGUs.
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) a state university in Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, through its Fisheries and Tourism Management programs in both undergraduate and graduate programs contributes to the DOT’s goals through research and development in the local and national level. The institution is strategically located in a community-based tourism development areas identified by the municipal tourism office and surrounded by mangroves, rivers, lakes, ponds, and brackish water systems. Large portion of the site is manifested by rivers and Tinori-an is considered to be longest and largest in terms of area dimension.
Tinori-an River was deemed to be one of potential ecotourism sites in Barangay Tinori-an the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. The river starts at Barangay Tinori-an and ends in Barangay Pantalan of next town of Anilao. It boasts 6 km long line of river showcasing the abundance of mangrove trees, river and coastline. According to Padohinog et al (2011), the river is a potential ecotourism destination Its rich flora and aquatic life forms are one of the components. Preliminary assessment of its mangrove ecosystem and oyster cultures were conducted.
As a result, the ISUFST its potential as one of the community-based sustainable ecotourism sites in the fourth district of Iloilo where culture, tradition of the community and its natural attractions are the potential tourism products. Community-based ecotourism supports conservation of the environment, improves quality of life and promotes culture and tradition. The town’s diversified natural and cultural tourism products attract local and foreign tourists. Specifically, its marine environment has rich species of flora and fauna.
Efforts have been undertaken to consolidate the gains already made and adopt a more strategic and innovative approach in exploring new opportunities to pursue inclusive growth which will be done by expanding community participation across the full range of facilities and services planned in the tourism circuits and development areas. Continuity is the cornerstone of the new Plan with special focus on what is achievable as well as on building on the momentum of what has already been initiated through the efforts of the numerous stakeholders comprising the tourism industry (NTDP 2016-2022). The (NTDP) of 2016-2022 of the Department of Tourism (DOT) established the country’s 9-core product portfolio through cluster and convergence concept. Thus, emphasizing the significance of nature / adventure type of tourism products. Moreover, this type of tourism product is seen to be a marketable amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
In this light, the conduct of the assessment of Tinori-an River in terms of physical, environment, economic, and social factors is deemed significant in crafting its sustainable ecotourism management to promote the Tinori-an River Community Based EcoTour. This program is an approach towards sustainable tourism and promote resource conservation This can address global warming and other issues and threats to natural attractions leading towards policy making and other recommendations pursuant to the provisions of NES 2002 and NTDP 2016-2022.
