Solon seeks sustainable tourism development at 4 Albay sites

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Four natural and historical sites in Albay province are being eyed for development as sustainable tourism destinations under bills sponsored by Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda.

The proposed measures seek to generate jobs, protect the environment and preserve local heritage while promoting tourism beyond the province’s main attraction, Mayon Volcano.

Salceda sponsored House Bill Nos. 4002, 4008, 4010 and 4013, covering Mount Quiasog in Libon, Simeon Ola Cave in Guinobatan, Jovellar Cave and Underground River in Jovellar, and Buhawi Hills in Pio Duran.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: IN PHOTOS: Discovering Albay’s diverse birdlife

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“In Albay, Mayon is not the only place you can visit. We have mountains to climb, caves and an underground river to explore, and other natural resources we must protect,” he said in a statement on Monday.

House Bill No. 4002 seeks to develop Mount Quiasog for trekking and other nature-based activities, while House Bill No. 4008 aims to promote Simeon Ola Cave as a historical ecotourism site and preserve the legacy of Gen. Simeon Ola.

House Bill No. 4010 proposes the careful development of Jovellar Cave and Underground River, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has classified as a Class II cave. House Bill No. 4013 seeks to promote trekking, eco-adventure and other sustainable tourism activities at Buhawi Hills.

Salceda said tourism development should benefit host communities without harming the natural resources and historical sites that draw visitors.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We do not merely want to increase the number of tourists. We want every visitor to contribute to local communities’ livelihoods, the preservation of the environment, and the safeguarding of Albay’s history and culture,” he said.

He said the initiative aims to ensure that future generations inherit the province’s natural and historical treasures in better condition.