IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Zamboanga Sibugay has introduced the Sibugay Adventure Tourism and Eco Recreation Society (SATERS) during the first general assembly of the Mindanao Communicators Network Zamboanga Sibugay Chapter (MindaComNet-ZSC). 

Georgina Fernandez, chief of the Conservation and Development Section, introduced the SATERS with the goal of igniting eco-friendly adventure tourism in the province through collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.

“SATERS will help develop and implement sustainable tourism programs that showcase the province’s natural beauty as well as the conservation of natural resources,” Fernandez said.

The endeavor will feature the potential of eco-tourism sites in the province, with an emphasis on Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NaKaPLan), emerging as a newfound treasure in Zamboanga Peninsula. 

NaKaPLan was declared a protected area through House Bill No. 9326, championed by then congresswoman and now governor, Dr. Ann K. Hofer, and supported by Senator Cynthia A. Villar with Senate Bill No. 2276, which resulted in the passage of Republic Act 11686.

Gov.Hofer expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting its potential to enrich the tourism landscape of the province and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in preserving the natural resources of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Let us work together for our province to flourish and be prosperous through the delicate balance of protecting our environment and utilizing it through responsible eco-tourism,” Hofer said. 

Once SATERS officially commences, PENRO will initiate and oversee training sessions and capacity-building programs tailored for tourism operators, local communities, and tourists. These efforts aim to foster and promote responsible tourism practices. (KSA/EDT/RBI/KDF-GIP-Zamboanga Sibugay)