promoting ecotourism a case study on sagada philippines

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Pandemic allows Sagada to heal, build on sustainable tourism goal

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EARTH’S BOUNTY. Agriculture was the natural fallback for many Sagada locals who lost jobs during the lockdown as many of them were farmers before becoming tour guides, shopkeepers and transport drivers.

Sherwin de Vera

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, Philippines – When COVID-19 paralyzed Sagada’s tourism economic engine, many tour guides and entrepreneurs returned to their roots – cultivating the land, tending to livestock and fishponds.

As this 5th class town in Mountain Province struggles to rebuild its economy, the pandemic exodus has presented Sagada with new marketing prospects in the growth areas of “ecotourism and agrotourism.”

“Before, many farms were idle, but during the pandemic, almost 90% of the farms were cultivated,” Senior Tourism Officer Marites Abad told Rappler.

Of the 219 registered tour guides in 2019, only 131 remained in 2022 .

“When we made the rounds as we were trying to (re)start tourism, we told [those who returned to farming] to stay there. We will make a package that they will be part of the tour and be the guide for their farms and fishponds,” she said.

This shift provides an opportunity for the promotion of new destinations while striking a balance between the economic and social needs of the municipality.

The long break on tourist arrivals also “allowed nature to heal.”

“When we went into the caves (Sumaguing and Balangagan) after almost two years of being closed, we felt the renewed energy inside; it was young and vibrant,” Abad shared.

Conservation efforts

Sagada’s “sustainable tourism” framework started to bear fruit in 2020. The plan, crafted and launched the year before, aimed to increase the local revenue from the industry while ensuring environmental conservation and respect of the local culture.

In 2019 alone, the town’s tourism sector collected P13.98 million in total local revenues. Tourist registration fees accounted for P9.02 million or 65% of the total collection – P1.34 million higher than 2018. 

There were 173 registered inns, hotels, and 219 guides during the period, raising at least P238,700 additional revenue for the renewal of the mayor’s permit to engage in business.

Aside from the jobs and revenue, the municipal government was also making strides in managing vehicular and human traffic, implementing the “park and walk” policy and limiting visitors to tourist sites.

Then in March 2020, COVID-19 hit the country. The government imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Borders were close and tourism ceased, forcing the town’s economy to a standstill.

‘Mystical haven’ Sagada on slow road to tourism recovery

Lockdown realizations

Sagada Inn Keepers and Homestay Owners Association (SIHA) president Gwen Gaongen said that for local tourism entrepreneurs, “the pandemic gave time to solidify which direction to go.”

She recalled the unprecedented human and vehicular traffic jam in 2018, during the long weekend that started on November 30, a Friday. 

Video and photos of the road debacle to Lake Danum and the overflowing crowd at Marlboro Hill went viral, triggering calls for stronger tourism regulations in the mountain getaway.

The struggles of locals with the “fast and furious” kind of tourism and the challenges during the lockdown brought the community closer together.

“We started getting together, which developed into the Green Economist, a group of local entrepreneurs, and came up with different activities to keep our sanity [during the lockdown] and developed other sources of livelihood,” the SIHA president said.

They asked the Pitak Project for training on organic soap making to encourage inns and homestays to produce their needs or buy from within the community. 

The group also organized workshops on organic agriculture and tour guiding. One of the homestay owners also decided to convert their inn into a technical-vocational school in partnership with TESDA to provide skills training like baking and driving.

Gaongen said the pandemic made residents, especially business owners, realize that “in developing enterprises, we must keep the environment in mind…and [have] more respect where the food comes from.”

“Tourism is a luxury, not for all, and when a crisis comes like the pandemic where even those who have money cannot travel, we are left with nothing,” she pointed out. “We cannot depend on tourism alone.”

Advances and challenges

As Sagada slowly draws visitors to its misty landscape once again, the town has also finalized the revision of its Tourism Code and approved a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which includes guidelines on new structures.

“We are in the process of integrating green architecture into our tourism-related infrastructure projects. New structures are also required not to go beyond four stories,” Abad said. 

However, she admitted that the mushrooming of buildings that do not blend with the landscape remains a problem.

Besides the “no guide, no tour policy,” the town strictly implements the “park and walk” scheme. Town center tours, which include the Echo Valley, Sagada Weaving, and Ganduyan Museum, are all walking tours, making traffic more manageable.

There are also designated local shuttle pickup and dropping areas for sites like Bomod-ok Falls and the Marlboro Hill-Blue Soil trek. 

The LGU is also planning to adjust during the lean months to allow guests to use their vehicles in selected sites.

Visitor limits set at a given time for Sumaguing Cave (300 persons) and Marlboro Hills (800 persons), which the guides recommended, are also religiously observed.

“In terms of site management, all the guides and other stakeholders…are cooperative, especially in ensuring cleanliness. Our main problem at the moment is the management of the collected garbage,” Abad said.

The town has also recently rolled out two important measures: standard rates and occupancy limits for various destinations and activities.

In November, the local government passed an ordinance providing optional insurance protection coverage for tourists. The insurance covers accidental death/disablement, unprovoked murder and assault, accident medical reimbursement, accident burial reimbursement, and medical evacuation.

Tough decisions

Abad said the pandemic was a “turning point to realize to look seriously into taking steps and looking into the mindset of the community and those in the LGU.”

According to her, town officials take steps to involve the community in making decisions.

“We need to jive on the meaning of sustainability in terms of the economy, the environment, and our culture. We still need to find a [common] ground,” Abad added.

While Gaongen recognized the improvements in tourism policies and their implementation, she believes the LGU could have done more to look into the problems and solutions.

“The LGU might disagree with me, but I think that is something that we lost. It would have been a great time to think about our direction. In the past two years, we could have done more, but the easiest excuse is that we were not allowed to have social gatherings,” she said.

But she also acknowledges the difficult balancing act the officials and other stakeholders, like herself, must make.

“It is hard to make a decision that would limit tourist arrivals because we, the people, need to earn, and the government cannot provide that, not even easy access to loans,” she said.

“If only the government provides sufficient financial support [to those affected], it would be easier to decide for the right direction, but since it is also a gut issue, it is hard,” Gaongen added. – Rappler.com

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promoting ecotourism: a case study on sagada, philippines · pdf filecase study on sagada,...

• Promoting Ecotourism: A Case Study on Sagada, Philippines · PDF fileCase Study on Sagada, Philippines ... the area also play an important role in the tourism industry because

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Promoting Ecotourism: A Case Study on Sagada,

Philippines

Submitted by: Almario, Montito Hernando, Miguel

Yee, Ciara Yu, Keb

INTRODUCTION

Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal places

of work and residence, the activities undertaken during their stay in those destinations, and the

facilities created to cater to their needs. According to UNESCO (n.d), tourism is one of the

world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment

for many developing countries. Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs

of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

(Brundlandt Report, n.d). Tourism can be a contribution to the sustainable development of an

area. It contributes to the economic status of the area because of the wide range of services it can

provide to individuals such as work in the hotels, travel agencies, and other establishments

around the tourist spot. The tourism industry provides job opportunities to the people.

According to UN (n.d), the tourism industry that promotes environment protection is a

big contributor to the socio-economic profile of the country or the area. Tourism also has been

responsible in maintaining the quality of the environment and to ensure the provision of

satisfying experiences for visiting tourists. Ecotourism is the protection of the environment and

the preservation of the natural resources. It is also respecting the culture of the place and not

exploiting its resources. Ecotourism is a phenomenon wherein it will greatly affect the

sustainable development of the area because of the indicators it can bring about such as the

economic, social, and environmental aspects (Kiper, 2013).

Despite these positive impacts and potential benefits that ecotourism has to offer, it has

its own set of negative impacts especially in socio-cultural aspects and the environment.

According to the National Statistics Coordination Board, “there are one hundred ten (110)

indigenous ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines with an estimated total population of

around 12 million found in the various parts of the country, comprising 17 percent of the total

population” (NSCB, n.d). Ecotourism has a direct effect on these indigenous people as they are

easily subjected to discrimination and exploitation. Most of the location of tourist spots is where

the minority tribes or the indigenous people live. The whole process of developing an area for

ecotourism itself or urbanizing the area causes different disturbances that disrupt the livelihood

and lifestyle of these marginalized people. The establishments that will be built will somehow be

in competition with the local stores in the area. This also jeopardizes the preservation of the

culture heritage of these different tribes as they will inevitably encounter different elements of

the developed world, new cultures, technology and ideologies.

“The planet’s natural resources are consumed or contaminated by its human population.

Human survival needs drinkable water, breathable air and usable biological diversity. Natural

ecosystems are the world’s primary reservoirs for each of these” (Buckley, 2008, p.5). This

statement implicates that an increase in population possibly because of an increase in economic

growth will lead to a more rapid depletion of natural resources. Hence this makes it a very

pertinent view on the impacts of ecotourism. Furthermore, a very important outlook made by Do,

et al. (2011) is the technological advancements we have had for decades in transportation. Faster

cars, bikes, planes and boats have significantly enabled us to travel long distances and reach

desired destinations in a short amount of time. However these technological advancements have

also significantly contributed to the pollution of our environment. In the context of ecotourism,

pollution is also a highly detrimental factor for sustainability.

Ecotourism induces change in the environment. These changes include several

development benefits. The Philippines is known for famous tourist spots, beautiful sceneries, and

breath-taking beaches. But an underutilized ecotourism sector, with the right amount of support

and funding will make protected areas highly lucrative, productive and sustainable. Developing

ecotourism sites will help sustain and preserve the precious elements of the location. The

transformation process of these ecotourism sites will also impact and improve accessibility in

these areas attracting both foreign and local tourists.

Promoting ecotourism is also by being responsible tourists by not harming the

environment with their certain agendas in the place. The Marine Bio (n.d) stated that “a good

ecotourism operation will strive to support the community and encourage travellers to be

culturally sensitive by training and employing local people and by purchasing local supplies and

services to further stimulate the economy.”

The government plays an important role in the tourism industry as the source of funds in

enhancing the infrastructures. As well as private institutions who help in enhancing tourism in

the country. The tourists who visit the tourist spots in the area also play an important role in the

tourism industry because they are the ones who contribute in the protection of the environment

or the surroundings of the place they are visiting. It is in their hands on how they are going to

maintain and enhance the beauty of the environment of the place they are visiting. The

community of the area is also part of promoting ecotourism because they play as the role model

of the tourists. These people are the ones who set example in maintaining and preserving the

beauty of the place. Businesses surrounding the tourist spot such as souvenir shops, restaurants,

lodges, etc. are of help in marketing the place. If the products or goods they sell in the shops or

they provide good services to the tourists then they will be the talk of the town, which means that

the place will be known for certain products and good quality of service.

Furthermore, ecotourism can increase community participation. According to Bagadion

and Del Fierro-Juan (2013), this will ensure the equitable distribution of the benefits. This is

also the key to maintain a sustainable form of ecotourism. Community participation enables

constituents to become stakeholders themselves. Constituents will also adapt to the business

opportunities that is in line with the ecotourism establishments such as transportation services,

retail and consumer industries and hospitality.

Some organizations have provided their ecotourism principles and concepts to be

practiced. One example of this organization is the United Nation World Trade Organization

(UNWTO). This organization has provided three (3) main concepts on what sustainable tourism

should be. 1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in

tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural

heritage and biodiversity. 2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities,

conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-

cultural understanding and tolerance. 3) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations,

providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable

employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and

contributing to poverty alleviation.

With these three (3) main concepts, ecotourism is not just about promoting and enhancing

the environment and the natural resources but to also respect the culture and heritage sites in the

place that the tourists are visiting. In a way, ecotourism is also promoting the community

development. With the tourists/guests following the necessary rules and regulations to be

observed in the place they are visiting, the community wherein the attraction/destination sites can

be found will be highly respected – and with that, the preservation of the culture of the people

living in the place will still be practiced. As for the long term goal of the concepts and principles

of ecotourism, it will help provide more opportunities to the place such as providing jobs to the

people, marketing the area to attract more visitors and investors which may result to having a

sustainable ecotourism development.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded Ethiopia’s

Ecotourism Development Program. This program shall protect natural resources and cultural

heritage sites and improve the livelihoods and quality of life of local communities. The goals of

this program are similar to the concepts and principles of the UNWTO. These goals are expected

to be the results to a stronger tourism in Ethiopia. The preservation of the cultural and heritage

sites is the most important factor in promoting ecotourism because this will help the area in

attracting tourists. The tourists would want something unique and extra-ordinary for their

travelling purpose.

ECOTOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

As an archipelago composed of 7,107 islands, the Philippines offers countless attractions

to see. There are many tourism activities that can be done in the tourist spots in the Philippines

such as kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, sight-seeing, surfing, and many more. The Philippines

attracted 3,267,542 visitors starting from January 2014 until August 2014 (Official Website of

Tourism, 2014). Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of the Philippines contributing to

6.0 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2012 based on National Statistical

Coordination Board (NSCB). The NSCB was able to collect the GDP of the Philippines starting

from the year 2000 until 2012. Throughout these years, the statistics of the year 2012 reached a

good percentage under the tourism industry. They measured accommodations, food and beverage

serving services, transportation services (whether land, air, or water transportation services),

travel agencies and other reservation services, entertainment and recreation, shopping,

miscellaneous, and other products.

In relation to the country’s GDP, the tourism industry also has provided more jobs in the

Philippines. As of 2009 statistics of the employees in the travel and tour agencies (NSCB), a total

of 67,974 employees were hired and worked under the tourism industry.

The 2009 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) for Transport

Operators, Tour and Travel Agencies – Final Results – summarizing the survey of tourism

establishments in the Philippines (STEP) for transport operators, tour and travel agencies, every

tourists/guests are provided with the services they need such as tour packages, online

reservation/booking and all transportation facilities. Overall, the tourists/guests were provided

with the necessary accommodations and services which were of delight to them. Eagles, et al.

(2002) mentioned that tourists are demanding quality service from the places where they stay in

because for them it is their only time to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the place where they are

staying in. Also, providing quality service to the tourists/guests will enhance and promote

tourism in the area. It will attract more tourists which will be advantageous to the attraction site.

With the positive results of the aforementioned survey, the jobs that were provided, the

visitors that come and go in the country, and aligning it with the GDP of the Philippines under

the tourism industry, it is safe to say that the tourism industry is one of the biggest indicators of

the sustainable development of the country.

In order to further promote and enhance the ecotourism in the Philippines, the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) implemented an administrative

order that states the principles of ecotourism and the guidelines of planning, developing, and

managing the ecotourism. This administrative order was effective last August 2013. The

objectives of this order are as follows: 1.) to institutionalize ecotourism planning and

management process in protected area management 2.) to promote advocacy on the concept and

principles of ecotourism 3.) To introduce ecotourism businesses in protected areas both as a

conservation strategy and an economic development option through viable business partnerships

with the local government units or the private sector 4.) to promote inclusive equity of socio-

economic benefits to the local community and indigenous cultural communities and encourage

community participation 5.) to ensure the participation of both women and men in the

ecotourism planning and management and that gender-related issues are addressed in the

ecotourism management plan.

The goal of the DENR was to achieve stronger ecotourism in the Philippines by

following the objectives they have set for the attraction sites here in the Philippines. As

mentioned earlier, tourism provides many opportunities. It can provide jobs which will add to the

manpower in providing services to the tourists. This is similar to what Eagles, et. al (2002)

mentioned – that tourists will keep coming back if the service quality is great and it satisfies their

stay in the area.

The objectives of the order that was made by the DENR was aligned to a bigger goal with

the concepts and principles of ecotourism. The concepts and principles of ecotourism based on

the order by the DENR are as follows: 1.) Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 2.)

Ownership by the local communities providing them business opportunities to sustain their well-

being. 3.) Gender responsiveness and adherence to inclusive growth that considers women,

children, indigenous peoples and informal sector activities. 4.) Promotion of learning experience

and conservation awareness. 5.) Responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism

industry. 6.) Deliver to appropriate number of participants and businesses that observe and

follow ecotourism and conservation concepts, ensuring appropriate development and visitor

With the established or implemented order of the DENR regarding the concepts and

principles of ecotourism, it will not only promote and enhance the ecotourism but it will also

address the sustainable development in tourism. According to Eriksson (2013), promoting

ecotourism will result to the sustainability of tourism itself because “it serves to provide tourism

products and services while accommodating for the economic, social and environmental aspects

of society.” Thus, catering to the needs and wants of the tourists in the country shall contribute in

each aspect aforementioned which will lead to sustainable development.

To further support the implementation of the order by the DENR, they will be providing

funding to the local government units of the different regions and to the non-government

organizations that are helping in enhancing the attraction sites. The DENR will be responsible

for the allocation of funds. The money will be coming from funding agencies and the institutions

that will be tapped by the LGUs. Additional funds will be coming from the overseas

development assistance. With the funds that will be provided, this will be of greater help to the

tourist spots because the local government unit in the area will be able to enhance the tourist spot

and build other infrastructures and more businesses in the vicinity. The enhancement of the

tourist spot and the construction of other infrastructures and businesses will attract more visitors

and investors in the area – infrastructures such as “historic, cultural, religious and heritage sites

and prime tourist destinations”. The government will also be funding the places that are capable

of becoming tourist spots if enhanced (Tourism Act of 2009). In connection to the funding of the

infrastructures, training procedures will be provided to the workers as part of the human

resources development (Order 19, 2013). The Tourism Act of 2009 is to provide training

modules, to educate the workers, and to conduct seminars in order to enhance their skills and be

prepared in guiding the tourists. All the government and non-government institutions that are

involved or will be involved in the tourism industry will be informed about all changes and

necessary pre-cautions in preserving the natural resources of the Philippines. The DENR will

also be aligning all the activities in the places with the concepts and principles of ecotourism

aforementioned. There will be a monitoring and evaluation phase to see if all involved are

complying with all the necessary things that were implemented.

These concepts and principles given by the DENR, UNWTO, and USAID are just three

of the many ecotourism concepts and principles. There are many organizations that have

contributed to the concepts and principles of ecotourism. Each one of these organizations all

have the bigger goal they want to achieve which is to preserve the environment, protect the

wildlife, preserve the culture and heritage sites which lead up to promoting ecotourism in every

place in the world because this will help the country achieve a sustainable development.

CASE STUDY: SAGADA, PHILIPPINES

Sagada is the perfect getaway for thrill-seekers, nature-lovers, and soul searchers alike. It

is small town atop Mountain Province in Northern Luzon, 275 km from Manila. With a vast

array of natural wonders, from caves to rice terraces to waterfalls, this town is an adventure

haven. Many foreigners and Filipinos alike visit this place for a breath of fresh air.

As part of Sagada’s marketing strategies, they made their official website (The Sagada

Genuine Guides Association Inc.) wherein the tourists can look up all the things they need to

know before going to Sagada. Their official website also shows the places of where to visit, eat,

relax, stay for a day or two, the rates of the transportation and lodging, etc. If the local

government unit of Sagada wants to attract visitors and investors in the place, they would want

their guests to feel secured while they are staying in the premises of Sagada. The official website

also provided what routes to take in order to get to Sagada safely. As part of promoting the place,

the visitors/tourists need to feel safe and secured while they are having their vacation. With these

guidelines that the Sagada has provided, they will surely attract visitors and investors to visit the

place. It is a common and modernistic practice to promote ecotourism via website which will

connect the rest of the world to this distant destination.

One of the researchers, Miguel Hernando, visited to Sagada over the summer. In which

the following statements were based on the first-hand experience of the researcher in Sagada.

“After going back and forth from the places we visited, we found our place of residence for our

stay, ‘Hidden Hill Inn’. We were greeted by the very friendly innkeeper, ‘John’ whose hospitality

far exceeded that of our expectations and exemplified the trait that the Filipino is famous for.”

In a report by Anita Pleumaron on a study by Juline R. Dulnuan, it was mentioned that

tourism came to Sagada effortlessly as more and more people knew about the place. The

community capitalized on this opportunity and started opening up inns for the visitors.

Pleumaron (n.d) enumerates the other forms of livelihood that blossomed from the boom in

tourism such as souvenir vending, dining establishments, transport, and tour guiding. The study

showed that the locals perceived the effects of tourism as mainly beneficial and brought them

prosperity in totality. In spite of this success, development was concentrated on those with the

capacity to put up businesses while a large majority of the farming population remained farmers

and may even have been damaged by the tourism industry in the forms of environmental

destruction, land use, and the privatization of water. Still, the fact that tourism is being

facilitated by the community gives better opportunity for inclusive development.

Another challenge that Sagada faced as to accordance of the report is the lack of

ordinances and guidelines about issues such as zoning, sale of land, and environmental practices.

This does not seem to be much of a problem for now as Hernando (2014) stated that Sagada was

still a “serene and peaceful town” in his visit in last summer.

Tourism has also seemed to have a negative effect on both natural and cultural resources.

Sagada’s untouched beauty doesn’t remain as “untouched” as it once was. Vandalism and litter

can be seen in some of tourist attractions. The conservative culture of the locals also causes

culture shock when visitors are for example, rowdy and noisy, or overly intimate. Nevertheless,

the culture and practices of the townspeople are still very much alive and have survived

alongside the adoption of more modern activities.

ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION IN SUSTAINING ECOTOURISM

From the researcher’s experience in Sagada, several points can be raised. First is the lax

implementation of laws and policies. Although Sagada is a very peaceful town and the need for

stricter law implementations seems unnecessary, some concerns such as the cleanliness of the

environment must be addressed. At this point, land, air, or water pollution in Sagada is far from

out of control, but the town should definitely not wait for the mentioned situation to happen.

Another development that could be made in Sagada is the improvement of the roads leading up

to the town. As mentioned by the researcher, the roads were very risky to travel. Construction is

occurring on these roads but operations should probably be sped up to encourage more tourism

in Sagada as well as providing its residents with easier access to other areas. Other

developments may be suggested for Sagada, but it is our opinion that any drastic urbanization or

technological or commercial advances would ruin the ambience that tourists come looking for in

this simple, charming little town.

Sagada’s use of ecotourism to promote development seems to have been successful and

steadily growing through the years. However, there are some limitations to it as Sagada is still

developing certain indicators of sustainable ecotourism. It has given sustainability to both the

townspeople, and the natural resources it contains. In the researcher’s experience, the local

government fees were paid to the respective offices during the first day, while on the next day,

the same tour guide dealt with us directly. This seems to provide a good balance between

government revenue and income opportunity for the locals. The businesses of the locals all seem

to be interconnected, were tour guides would recommend their favorite eating places, souvenir

shops, and inns. The community operates in a network that seems to be very effectively and

efficiently sustain the small population that reside in the town and from the research conducted.

With the information on-hand, Sagada will continue to provide sustenance for its people,

conservation in the environment, and income generating tourism for generations to come.

In the case of Sagada, most of its ecotourism sites are situated in the mountain ranges.

Overtime, with the help of the beautiful destinations located in the area, different establishments

were made available to accommodate visitors resulting into an increase in economic activity

within the area. Souvenir establishments, hotels and restaurants produced jobs that helped in the

economic boost of the people in Sagada.

According to the Business and Development Research conducted by authors Bagadion

and Del Fierro-Juan (2013) of the Asian Institute of Management, there are several

improvements that can still be made to improve and transform protected areas to an effective and

sustainable ecotourism destination. This shall be applied in Sagada’s case. The research stated

that identifying an available distinct nature product should be made a priority. Something that

showcases the wonders of nature that is majestic and remarkably astonishing that also poses a

potential for nature-activities like hiking, scuba-diving, etc. Sagada was already successful in this

project. The research also emphasized the importance of marketing. The use of advertisements,

media campaigns, and social media are highly recommended to attract people and other potential

investments. Additionally the research also stressed the importance of accessibility. Tourism and

accessibility goes hand in hand. The Philippines has a lot of tourist destinations varying from

beaches, caves, mountains, etc. Unfortunately, reaching some of these destinations will prove to

be difficult because of undeveloped roads, absence of ports and even political instability.

Addressing these issues will drastically improve accessibility in beautiful tourist destinations the

Philippines has to offer. Sagada is located at the northern region of the Philippines hence airports

and ship ports will prove beneficial in increasing accessibility.

With proper planning and acknowledgment of natural environments and its needs for

preservation, community-based ecotourism development in communities located in the

Philippines is achievable. According to Sproule (n.d), “community-based ecotourism refers to

ecotourism enterprises that are owned and managed by the community. It’s implied that a

community is taking care of its natural resources in order to gain income through operating a

tourism enterprise and using that income to better the lives of its members. Hence, CBE involves

conservation, business enterprise, and community development.” The participation of people in

ecotourism development is what will set the timeline of the goals. The decisions made by

community representatives are one of the things that ecotourism is supported by because their

decisions will decide the fate of the environment. The benefits of ecotourism development would

be the opportunities offered to the people in the community (like jobs for income) and

preservation of the environment. For development to occur there has to be funds for the projects.

Funding usually come from partners. The partners that are usually present are government

partners, members of the private sector, and NGO’s. But the one who would play the most

important role as a partner would be the government partners. If you get support from the

government, legalization of the project and what is needed to be done for a successful ecotourism

development project (Sproule, n.d). By doing such, tourism in the Philippines will continue to

grow from all the possible discoveries and preservations of environment.

In terms of management and resource mobilization, the private sector can be tapped to be

able to produce good returns that will benefit all stakeholders. However the research has

suggested that it should still be within the bounds and partnership with the government to avoid a

situation wherein only the elites will reap the benefits. Sagada must utilize this and increase its

network within the private sector that will help manage the ecotourism site and sustain it. A

healthy relationship between government, stakeholders and the private sector will help sustain

the environment, economy the society. Finally, the researchers believe that a strong management

is also the key for a sustainable ecotourism sector. Responsible use of the location and protection

should remain a priority amongst the stakeholders to limit damages that it might cause to the

environment and ecosystems to fully ensure sustainability.

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The Perceived Impacts of Tourism in Indigeous Communities: A Case Study of Sagada, Mt. Province

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Initiation and establishment of ecotourism development: Pandin Lake of San Pablo City and Tayak Hill of Rizal, Laguna, Philippines

• Published: 11 May 2020
• Volume 86 , pages 2573–2586, ( 2021 )

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• Bing Baltazar C. Brillo   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9659-9147 1  

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The Philippines is blessed with an abundance of natural-cultural attractions with an excellent prospect for ecotourism development. Ecotourism has become a key national strategy in promoting local development. Despite this, the country continues to lag behind in ecotourism development as many of its tourism resources in the countryside remain untapped and undeveloped. This situation is exacerbated by the few scholarly discussions on how ecotourism development takes root in a local context. Against this backdrop, the study explores the specifics and dynamics of initiating and establishing ecotourism at the municipal level by looking into the experiences of two localities—Pandin Lake of San Pablo City and Tayak Hill of Rizal Municipality, both in Laguna province of the Philippines. Using a case study design, the article illustrates that in Pandin Lake, the ecotourism development is a locally driven and nongovernmental organisation-inspired initiative, and in Tayak Hill, it is a top-down driven endeavour where the efforts are mainly personal actions of the local executives. In Pandin Lake, the instigating conditions include: the awareness brought about by the save Sampaloc Lake movement; the constraint to aquaculture expansion; the scenic natural beauty of the small lake; and the lack of development-oriented actions by its administrative agencies. In Tayak Hill, the precipitating conditions comprise: the urgent need for instituting a promotional identity for the town and a catalyst for the local socioeconomic development; the advent of a new local government administration that is open to novel development strategies; and the discovery of Tayak Hill as a historical landmark.

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Brillo, B.B.C. Initiation and establishment of ecotourism development: Pandin Lake of San Pablo City and Tayak Hill of Rizal, Laguna, Philippines. GeoJournal 86 , 2573–2586 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-020-10216-1

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