Pan de Azucar Leaders Support Eco-Tourism Development Plan

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Village leaders and stakeholders from Pan de Azucar Island signed a pledge of commitment on Monday, May 5, to support the Iloilo provincial government’s plan to develop the island as an eco-tourism destination.

The initiative aligns with Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s flagship tourism program, “Turista sa Barangay,” which aims to transform barangays into hubs for tourism and sustainable development.

Officials from Barangays Tambaliza, Talo-toan and Macatunao signed the pledge during a consultation conducted by the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office under the MoRProGRes Iloilo program.

The consultation identified key challenges on the island, including poor road access, limited water and electricity supply, weak telecommunications, lack of tourism circuits and limited community engagement.

It also cited weak implementation of local ordinances.

In response, the provincial government committed to developing infrastructure, building stakeholder capacity and establishing tourism support facilities.

Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin said resolving these issues is crucial to boosting the island’s tourism competitiveness.

“We are very serious about this because this is the program of our governor,” Marin said.

“Governor Defensor really sees the potential of the island as an eco-tourism destination,” he added.

The three barangays will also draft a joint resolution urging the Sangguniang Bayan of Concepcion to officially declare Pan de Azucar as an eco-tourism site.

On April 15, Governor Defensor met with stakeholders and representatives of the Save Pan de Azucar Movement to discuss the initiative.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias emphasized that developing Pan de Azucar has long been part of the province’s tourism roadmap.

Pan de Azucar, part of the municipality of Concepcion, is known for its towering Mt. Manaphag and rich biodiversity.

It is among the sites nominated by the provincial tourism office as a priority eco-tourism destination in Iloilo.

Other priority sites include Katunggan Eco-Park in Leganes, Alimodias Rice Terraces in Miagao, marine sanctuaries in San Joaquin, Silagon Eco Park and Barangay Pedada Eco Park in Ajuy, Mari-it Wildlife and Conservation Park in Lambunao, and Hibotkan Rock Marine Sanctuary in Banate.