New biodiversity conservation and nature tourism center in Talisay City launched

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday led the groundbreaking ceremonies of the new Biodiversity Conservation and Nature Tourism Center located at Sitio Pulakpulakan in Brgy. San Fernando, Talisay City.

The 62-hectare site is being eyed by the provincial government as the next Mambukal Resort, as well as a major watershed area of the province.

Lacson said that once the center is completed, they may allow tourists to enter for camping and hiking excursions.

For now, the provincial government has constructed a road in the area for easier access.

The annual budget for the development of the site is estimated at P90 million.

Aside from reforestation efforts at the site, among the amenities that would also be constructed are a multi-purpose building made of bamboo, a bamboo treatment facility, a three-story high watchtower, and a 10-room tourist facility.

The governor said this is one way to boost the local bamboo industry.

“We will eventually use bamboo as an alternative in building houses,” he said.

The site will also include a laboratory for scientists who will be studying the flora and fauna of the area.

Aside from the governor, also at the event was 3rd district Rep. Francisco Benitez.