Tubungan agri-tourism project gains ground in Iloilo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The municipality of Tubungan is moving to strengthen its position as an emerging agri-tourism destination after the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Turista sa Barangay technical working group conducted a site assessment for the town’s proposed tourism development areas.

The assessment was part of the Turista sa Barangay program initiated by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., which aims to transform barangays into community-based tourism hubs through local events, cultural promotion, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Tubungan is one of three identified pilot areas for the program, which promotes barangays as venues for tourism events and activities.

Provincial officials, led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin, joined municipal officials headed by Mayor Roquito Tacsagon during the inspection of identified tourism sites in barangays Igpaho, Igtuble, and Batga.

The municipality is preparing for the rollout of Project Tubong Turismo, an initiative that seeks to integrate agriculture, tourism, culture, and enterprise development into a sustainable local industry.

Among the proposed attractions are peace trails in Sitio Gamay Danao and Igpaho Proper, a viewing deck overlooking the mountains behind the Sitio Danao Tourist Rest Area, and a rock climbing and terraced hiking trail in Sitio Maguey.

Sitio Baldan is expected to become the centerpiece of the town’s agri-tourism initiative, with plans for an integrated agricultural farm, a livestock multiplier demonstration farm, a flower farm, and a bamboo plantation in partnership with the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The town also plans to develop tourism accommodations in Sitio Danao, including traditional bahay kubo cottages and mountainside camping sites designed to provide visitors with an immersive rural tourism experience.

A tourism business hub intended to support Indigenous communities through livelihood and enterprise opportunities is also included in the development plan.

Cultural and heritage sites identified for promotion include the Cross of Balabago and Bubon Ibid in Barangay Batga, which is considered a sacred site for Panaet rituals.

Following the assessment, the technical working group recommended several improvements to strengthen Tubungan’s tourism readiness.

The provincial government also committed infrastructure assistance, including water and sanitation systems, streetlights, viewing deck expansion, restoration of cultural sites, and the establishment of an Indigenous peoples business hub.

Tacsagon thanked the provincial government for supporting the municipality’s tourism vision.

“Through this assessment, we can gradually develop and organize the town’s potential areas and transform them into an agri-tourism destination,” Tacsagon said.

Yue Sin commended the municipal government for its commitment to developing Tubungan into one of Iloilo’s key agri-tourism destinations.

The Turista sa Barangay program was established under Executive Order No. 168, series of 2024, as a barangay-based approach to promoting Iloilo’s culture, culinary heritage, natural environment, and hospitality.