Nestled quietly in the southern part of Echague town in Isabela, Barangay San Miguel is a place where cascading waterfalls meet white-sand riverbanks, where lush forests shelter endemic species, and where stories of cultural heritage echo through time.
Long overlooked, this serene village is now stepping into the spotlight — and not just for its beauty, but for the promise it holds as an emerging ecotourism haven.
A recent research project, backed by the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), has cast a new light on San Miguel’s potential. Conducted by the University of Santo Tomas (UST), in collaboration with the local government and the office of 6th District Representative Faustino “Inno” Dy V, the study seeks to explore how this unassuming barangay could be transformed through responsible, community-based tourism.
“This place is a hidden gem. From its natural landscapes to its rich cultural roots, San Miguel has everything needed to thrive — if we take the right steps,” says Assistant Professor Jame Monren T. Mercado, tourism researcher and University of Santo Tomas Sentro Turismo coordinator.
Natural canvas
Chosen from 64 barangays in Echague, San Miguel stood out for its breathtaking and relatively undisturbed natural assets. Among them are unexplored cave systems, thick forests that teem with life, and tranquil riverbanks that shimmer under the northern Luzon sun.
It’s a dream setting for travelers seeking an escape from urban life — and a goldmine for eco-conscious development.
But it’s not just about the view.
The research highlights the importance of involving the local community — not merely as tour guides or service providers, but as stewards of their own environment. The goal is to foster a model where tourism not only boosts the local economy but also reinforces conservation and cultural pride.
Tourism with Purpose
In line with this vision, the research strongly supports the passage of House Bill No. 7787. The bill, if enacted, would officially declare Barangay San Miguel an Ecotourism Zone. This designation could unlock new funding streams for infrastructure, education, and conservation, while giving residents a bigger role in shaping their own development story.
“Establishing tourism guidelines, setting carrying capacity limits — these are essential. We’re not looking to commercialize San Miguel. We’re here to protect it,” Mercado stressed.
Steps are already being taken in that direction. The Municipal Government of Echague recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure the protection and management of the barangay’s fragile cave systems.
Science and Community
What makes San Miguel’s journey even more inspiring is the way it brings together different forces: the academic rigor of UST, the policy support of local lawmakers, and the grassroots passion of the community. It’s a synergy that National Research Council of the Philippines President Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas calls “a model for science-driven, people-centered development.”
“Let’s keep discovering, innovating, and sharing knowledge to make a greater impact,” she says.
For now, San Miguel remains a tranquil escape — but perhaps not for long. With careful planning and collective stewardship, this once-hidden treasure of Isabela could soon become a shining example of what sustainable tourism can truly achieve. (MJFJ/PIA Region 2)
