Abstract: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified Bulabog Puti-an National Park (BPNP) as a Pilot Site among Protected Areas in Region VI for Eco-tourism Development. It has no Comprehensive Site Development Plan that served as guide in the development of specific sites in the Park. Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) embarked on preparing its comprehensive site development plan. This 3-year research cum extension project aimed to come up with a comprehensive site development plan for BPNP. Data collection were done by actual zoning and survey, using transit and ground positioning system instruments, while, transect line method was used in terrestrial assessment. Focused group discussion and fedbacking were used in the analysis of data. The site development plan consists of structures distributed within the periphery of the 300 hectares recreational zone. There is a guard house at the entrance, and nearby are the multi-purpose building, a souvenir shop, an activity/camping area. On the southern and northern sides of the compound are cottages, at the western side is the proposed swimming pool, while at the eastern side are the butterfly garden and viewing deck. There is an access trail along the way from the compound to the caves up to the Mt. Puti-an. Other proposed features include cave protection, park mascot, miniature of the park, signages, entrance marquee and kiosks. With the collaborative efforts of all partners, ISAT U, DENR, and LGUs, BPNP is now in the list of the Department of Tourism as one of the tourist destinations in Western Visayas, Philippines.
Keywords: eco-tourism, national park, protected area, site development plan, Bulabog –Putian Philippines.
Title: SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR ECOTOURISM PROGRAM OF BULABOG PUTI-AN NATIONAL PARK
Author: Corazon C. Corbal, Gelmar S. Montefrio, Rosa Lea V. Ajesta, Rony P. De Juan
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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