Former ‘red’ area now an eco-tourism zone

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Barangay Mansalanao in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, a former mass-based area of the New People’s Army (NPA), is now up for a massive transformation into an eco-tourism zone of the town.

Mayor Rhumyla Nicor- Mangilimutan said the development started with the 3.6-hectare Mandayao Panorama View Park, which includes the 1.2-hectare Century Leaf Garden.

The park provides a backdrop of the majestic Kanlaon volcano. Property owner Francisco Infante entered into a deed of usufruct with the local government unit for its temporary use for 25 years.

Soon to rise in the park is a giant cross and a universal chapel.

The 3.6- hectare lot is the takeoff point of the tourism highway in Mandayao, where cafes mushroomed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mangilimutan said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us to innovate and open these sites for the establishment of cafes so that the local residents with an entrepreneurial spirit can do business to address the impact of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic,” Mangilimutan added.

Mangilimutan said cafes in the Mandayao area will be relocated within the area as owners have to follow certain designs for their establishments.

The mayor said she plans to put up permanent booths for 13 barangays in the area where the Banana Festival will be held.

The Infante family, according to Mangilimutan, is entering into a (PPP) Public Private Partnership with the government to develop the 56-hectare property known as Mandayao Legacy Park.

The lady mayor envisions a hotel and resort with a swimming pool and camping area in the three-hectare area purchased by the municipal government to accommodate tourists from other countries

This is part of the town’s preparations for the Korean-Philippines Association of Festival and Culture Exchange, where Bailes de Luces had been showcased.

“I have traveled in the beautiful places abroad and I want to replicate beautiful parks and gardens that will persuade tourism and economic growth of the town,” Mangilimutan said.

The 15th Limpio Verde Festival of La Castellana, themed “Eco-sytem Restoration”, was highlighted on June 25 with the Leaf Garden landscaping competition. The event was conceptualized by Sangguniang Kabataan leaders.

The activity was also attended by La Castellana Councilor Anejo Nicor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan committee on Tourism; Association of Barangay Captains president Noemi Nicor, businessman Frankie Uy and the staff of Rep. Ma . Lourdes Arroyo, among others.