The DENR has completed another package of ecotourism amenities for the Banga Hill National Park in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The facilities are expected to draw more tourists in the ecotourism attraction. ( Photo Courtesy of DENR Cagayan Valley )
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has completed another package of ecotourism amenities at the Bangan Hill National Park in this town.
These are the coffee shop, information center, ticketing booth, view deck and hostel, which were constructed by DENR Region 2 with funding support from the Biodiversity Management Bureau.
DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and Regional Tourism Council Chairperson Ruth Padilla and Mayor Tony Sergio Bagasao who was represented by Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marilyn Juan, along with the members of the Protected Area Management Board, led the inauguration and opening of these projects.
She said with the improved facilities, the BHNP now offers more fun and relaxation activities such as hiking, biking, picnic trips, photo shoots, bird watching, and viewing within the almost 13-hectare scenic spot in the province.
“The improvement of BNHP was really a dream come true. At first, we do not know where to get funds to charge all the activities and projects we planned to do. Our being adamant to pursue what were in our minds and our good networking with officials from the DENR Central Office really paid off,” Bambalan said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan (front row, 5th from left) urged the private sector to invest at the Bangan Hill National Park in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya with the completion of its other amenities . ( Photo Courtesy of DENR Cagayan Valley)
She emphasized the importance of improving the ecotourism facilities not only in BHNP but also in other protected areas of the region.
“I believe that ecotourism development will not only enhance the efforts towards conserving the remaining natural resources but also create economic opportunities in the local community,”
Bambalan said the engagement of people’s organization members in the ecotourism development enterprise for coffee and other local food products are now needed and urged PAMB to craft guidelines and protocols for the operationalization of the newly-completed facilities.
The BHNP, declared as national park by virtue of Republic Act No. 7954 s. 1995is a historic and cultural landmark of Nueva Vizcaya having held in this place the first mass in the province in 1739 which also marks the founding of the town of Bayombong. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)
