Iloilo Eyes Pan de Azucar as Eco-Tourism Hub

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government is exploring the transformation of Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town into a model for ecological tourism.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. recently met with officials of the Save Pan de Azucar group to discuss the group’s proposal, which aligns with the province’s Turista sa Barangay and Home Stay programs.

These initiatives aim to empower local communities while conserving Iloilo’s natural resources.

Following the meeting, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias led a coordination session with the Provincial Tourism Office and barangay officials of Macatunao, Tambaliza, and Talotoan—the three barangays located on the island.

“First, we need to inventory our tourism assets and facilities and determine the needs of the island to make it an eco-tourism area,” Banias said.

The meeting set in motion initial steps to assess the island’s tourism potential and identify immediate needs and development opportunities.

The provincial government is also set to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to consolidate plans and ensure that the development roadmap is participatory and aligned with the needs of Pan de Azucar’s residents.