Western Visayas adds 12 new certified ecotourism sites to loop

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The expansion of the Western Visayas Ecotourism Loop marks a significant milestone for sustainable tourism in Region 6.

The new sites represent a strategic move by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism to promote ecotourism destinations anchored on resilience, community engagement, and ecological integrity.

The Western Visayas Ecotourism Loop is a network of certified ecotourism destinations across the region designed to promote nature-based, community-driven tourism while ensuring environmental conservation. Sites included in the loop undergo a rigorous assessment process to meet standards on ecological sustainability, visitor safety, and community participation.

During the first semester Regional Ecotourism Committee meeting at Days Hotel Iloilo, officials announced that 12 additional ecotourism sites successfully passed the regional assessment.

These sites are expected to diversify the region’s travel portfolio, moving beyond traditional beach destinations toward more immersive, nature-based experiences across Panay Island.

The assessment results highlighted strong representation from the four provinces involved.

In Iloilo, the Mari-it Wildlife Conservation and Eco Park, Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark, and Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary all secured passing marks.

Capiz also saw three of its sites qualify: the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, Hinulugan Falls, and the Suhot Cold Spring Circuit.

These sites represent a mix of coastal mangrove protection and inland water systems, offering a wide range of activities for eco-conscious travelers.

Antique emerged during the evaluation with all four of its proposed sites — Aningalan, Malumpati Cold Spring, Tibiao Eco Adventure Circuit, and the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park and Northern Libertad Loop — passing the assessment.

Aklan strengthened its ecotourism footprint through the approval of the Nabaoy and Motag Eco-Cultural Circuit and the Ibajay Ecotourism Circuit.

DENR Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla said the focus is on certifying destinations that balance environmental conservation with community-led tourism rather than being just “pretty sites.”

“We are blessed to have a massive lush green and vibrant blue resources that surrounds us. With the approval of this new 12 sites, we are fulfilling the DENR’s mandate to provide equitable access to our country’s beauty while ensuring that every visitor becomes a partner in conservation,” Lorilla said.

The expansion is not just about adding destinations to a map, Lorilla emphasized, noting that the goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where tourism supports the environment rather than draining it.

By integrating these locations into the Western Visayas Ecotourism Loop, the committee aims to create a cohesive travel circuit that promotes the ecological heritage of Western Visayas while ensuring that tourism growth remains within the sustainable carrying capacity of the land.