Bohol Exploration (ecotourism)

Bohol Forest - 2km Mahogany Forest

The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees and giant ferns lining the road.

The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.

The terrain from both side of the road goes up; to I don’t know how high. What you see are only the Mahogany trees that look like thousands of sentinels guarding the road, standing erect. No other vegetation is growing among the Mahogany trees. One only sees the brown trunks stretching forth from the earth and the green canopy above. And that’s what makes them look so attractive!

The roots of the trees are beautiful to look at as they protrude from the ground and crawl over boulders and contour of the land, even reaching the sides of the road. Looking at them gives you the creeps. Like tentacles of a giant octopus, the roots seem to reach out and grasp the unwary passersby, as what happened in the “Lord of the Rings” movie.

When you enter the forest, one will feel the abrupt change in temperature, especially during summer or hot season. It is hot outside the forested area, but once under the overhanging trees, one is refreshed by the cool breeze. This mountain area seldom sees the sun shine and most often than not, it rains here. Local folks attribute these to the presence of the dense forest.

The Loboc-Bilar man-made forest plays host to many visitors, locals and foreigners alike who take time to view it from the road and take pictures. The Metro Manila filmmakers often use the forest as a backdrop for some of their action films. Other groups go hiking thru the woods and up the mountain. Mountain bikers often use the wide asphalt road that traverse the forest aside from the day-to-day buses and public transport that ply between the towns.

This rainforest is about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. Plying the interior road from the capital, one passes the town of Loboc and what the Boholanos call the “tina-i sa manok” (chicken’s intestines) which refers to the winding road up the mountain of Loboc going towards Bilar.

Leaving the populated barrios behind, the road up the mountain is steep and on one side, a deep ravine which are all densely forested. The steep and winding road plus the ravine does not hinder the local drivers. They maneuver the road with the agility and speed of experts; a feat acquired thru constant practice.

After the forest, one passes two towns, the town of Bilar and Batuan, and arrives at Carmen town where the famous chocolate hills are sighted. Carmen is where you find hundreds of chocolate hills which are uniform in shape and size. A complex has been put up by the local government on top of the two highest hills in the area.

The chocolate hills are the main Bohol tourist attraction. But before you get there, one passes the famous Baclayon church (the oldest church of Bohol), the Loboc church (the 2nd oldest church), the Loboc river, and then the man-made rainforest. One cannot help but be awed by such grandeurs!

Loboc River

Loboc is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. It is mere 24 km away from Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital of Bohol. According to the2007 census, it has a population of 16,299 people. It is the Music Capital of Bohol.

Loboc is known for its floating restaurants along the scenic and winding Loay-Loboc River. Tourists also come to see the tarsier, a small nocturnal animal with large eyes. It is one of the world's smallest primates. Unfortunately, the tarsiers here are kept in an inadequate cage, and better be observed in the Tarsier Sanctuary inCorella.

Portions of the St. Peter Parish Church Complex (specifically parts of what is now the Convento or Priests' Residence) are thought to be the oldest standing ecclesiastical structures in Bohol Province. The Loboc Children's Choir has won numerous competitions both local and international, most notably festival competition in Barcelona, Spain, entitled "Europe and its Songs", on September 17–21, 2003.

WELCOME TO PANGLAO ISLAND NATURE RESORT AND SPA

Escape to a slice of paradise and experience Bohol’s celebrated sights and sounds in the island’s most luxurious beach resort.

Invigorate your senses amidst lush tropical landscapes embraced by clear, turquoise waters and dazzling white-sand beaches. Indulge yourself and relax in world-class amenities while we pamper you with warmth that is classic Boholano.

From sun-kissed hills to underwater wonders to exotic wildlife, Bohol is a tropical sanctuary of natural beauty. Feel its festive charm pulsating through Panglao Island Nature Resort. Here you can experience all the beauty that Bohol has to offer. We’ll make your stay in Bohol the perfect island getaway.

Mission

Conserve the country's biological diversity through:

• Establishment, management and development of the National Integrated Protected Areas System
• Conservation of wildlife resources
• Nature conservation information and education

Vision

PAWB envisions a perpetual existence of biological and physical diversities in a system of protected areas and other important biological components of the environment managed by a well-informed and empowered citizenry for the sustainable use and enjoyment of present and future generations

The Eco-Tourism in Region XI is improving its natural resources and preserve the beauty of nature. There are some tourist attractions in the region that is not much well-known by the people but the people who manage it make a way so that tourists will impress its beauty. Moreover, it is the reason why tourism increases and well-developed.

Eco-Tourism in Region XI

Ecotourism Sites in Region 11  ECOTOURISM SITE / PROTECTED AREA ECOTOURISM PRODUCT LOCATION ATTRACTIONS (Biological/Physical/ Cultural) ACTIVITIES FACILITIES (including accommodations) Regions 11 & 12 1. Mt. Apo Natural Park Davao City, Digos City, Sta. Cruz, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Kidapawan, Makilala, Magpet, Cotabato  Tudaya Falls, Lake Venado, Lake Agco, hotsprings, Phil. Eagle, Mindanao Scoops owl, Mindanao lorikeet, Mt. Apo mynah, whritted hornbill, tarsier, Tudaya Giant Rat Phil. Deer, Fruit bat, waling-waling, Tribes of Bagobo, Manobos Klata  Trekking, camping, picnicking, swimming campsite, trail system Davao Oriental 1. Pujada Bay Landscape & Seascape Mati, Davao Oriental mangrove forest, pawikan sanctuary snorkeling, swimming, diving, overnight camping Guang-guang Marine Research Center 2. Mt. Hamiguitan Ranges Wildlife Sanctuary Mati, San Isidro & Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental Licub Falls, Pygmy forest "Tinagong Dagat" , endemic species of flora and fauna; Mandaya tribe trekking, hiking, camping 3. Aliwagwag Protected Landscape Cateel, Davao Oriental crystal clear cascading water swimming, camping, boating cottages Compostela Valley 4. Mainit Hotsprings Protected Landscape Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley mangrove forest, beaches swimming Mainit Hotspring resort with swimming pools 5. Mabini Protected Landscape & Seascape Mabini, Compostela Valley swimming Marine center Davao del Norte 6. Samal Island PLS Island Garden, City of Samal mangrove forest, white sandy beaches swimming, camping, diving, snorkeling cottages

Davao’s Unique Selling Proposition

What makes Davao City different from other cities in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific Region that would make it ideal for tourism and investment?

Davao City’s abundant and diverse nature and culture set in a clean, safe, and cosmopolitan community of happy and proud peoples.
Ten (10) things that sets Davao City apart from the rest:

1. Typhoon-Free Zone
Because Davao City is absolutely typhoon-free and enjoys good weather all year round, there is an abundance of flora and fauna as well as food, water, and livelihood. It is also ideal for outdoor activities because of the stable weather condition. It is a good season for adventure and sports anytime of the year so one is not limited to just the summer months.

2. Best Water in the World
Davao City’s tap water has been tested internationally for quality against all the major bottled waters sold in the market and was adjudged the best in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. No need for boiling, distilling, purifying, adding of minerals. It is absolutely perfect. And no less than the World Health Organization has certified that it is the best in the world.

3. Multi-cultural and Cosmopolitan Peoples
Davao City is home to at least 10 major indigenous tribes, both Islamized and non-Islamized, as well as migrant settlers (mostly Christianized) from all over the Philippines and a growing global community of ex-patriates with different languages, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and political persuasions. As opposed to the rest of the Filipinos who have been colonized by the West, the people of Davao are indigenized -- which means that they may come from different places with different ways but when they become residents of Davao, they adopt the multicultural and cosmopolitan way of life, embracing the diversity of the city.

4. Strong & Independent Local Government
The local government of Davao City is much admired by other governments, not just nationally but also internationally. It is recognized to be ahead than the national government in many ways -- in the crafting of landmark pieces of legislation; in pioneering innovations in local governance; in its strong political will in the implementation of policies and programs; in its high level of self-sufficiency; and in its pluralist and liberal political climate that result in significant grassroots and civil society participation. It is a favorite destination for study tours because it is considered as a model for other cities in the country and in the world.

5. Safest Destination
Davao City has one of the lowest crime rates in the world averaging at 0.8 in every 10,000 persons per month. The Davao City Police Office has consistently been chosen as the Best Police Office in the entire country. The Davao City Peace and Order Council has been elevated to the Philippine Hall of Fame for consistently being the best in the country.

6. Most Prepared City to Respond to an Emergency
Davao City is proud to be the only Asian city that has an integrated emergency response system similar to that of the United States and Canada – the Central 911. It responds to all kinds of emergency – medical, fire, police assistance, natural or man-made disaster. The only difference between Davao’s 911 and that of the US and Canada is – in Davao the service is absolutely free, totally subsidized by the local government. The Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council is also recognized as the best prepared disaster coordinating council in the country.

7. Excellent Public Utilities & Infrastructure
Davao City enjoys an abundant and stable supply of water and power 24 hours a day all year round. The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the number one water utility company in the Asia-Pacific Region among the 50 water utilities in the region. It is also the Most Outstanding Water District (very large category) for four years given by the Local Water Utilities Administration. On the other hand, Davao Light & Power (DLPC) is third largest privately-owned electric utility in the Philippines. It is the country’s most efficiently run power utilities, its systems loss rate of 8.13% is well below the government mandated cap of 9.50%. Davao City has a pioneering state-of-the-art traffic system similar to the system in Los Angeles, California. It is the first city in the Philippines to have an adaptive traffic signalization system. Plans are underway also to make the entire Davao City a Wi-Fi Zone.

8. Healthy Lifestyle
Davao City adheres to a wholesome and healthy lifestyle for its residents and encourages its visitors to pursue the same. It pioneered the regulation of smoking in public places in the Philippines, which was replicated by other cities and gave birth to the national anti-smoking law. It has tough policies against dangerous drugs, violence against women and children (including prostitution and human trafficking), and environmental pollution. It led the ban on aerial spraying of plantations as well as the use of pyrotechnics. It is also in the forefront in the conservation of endangered species such as the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle, as well as the protection of the city’s watershed, coastal areas, rivers and gulf. It also boasts of one of the most progressive and comprehensive reproductive health program in the world.
9. More Value for Money
Davao City has the freshest and highest quality produce in the country. Its exports of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna, among others, are considered the best in the world. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are sought-after by the rest of the country. Yet these excellent, world-class products remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis. In Davao, the high quality of life does not come at a high cost.

10. Inclusive, Not Exclusive
Davao City is open to all, regardless of one’s stature in life. There are no exclusive clubs for the social and economic elite nor are there forbidden ghettos confined to the poor and marginalized. Children and pets are welcome everywhere. Diversity in religious, political, sexual and gender orientation respected and celebrated. There are no strict dress codes to follow. Celebrities and famous people are treated like everyone else. No special treatments for those in powerful positions. Everybody is entitled to the same rights and privileges. There is zero tolerance for all kinds of abuse and discrimination. Elitism and haughtiness are treated with disdain while humility and openness are valued virtues.

http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/davao/

THE ECO-TOURISM CALENDAR in DAVAO DEL NORTE

JANUARY Whole Month WOW RAFFLESIA Brgy. Mapawa, Mt. Candalaga 2nd Week MABINI TOURISM NIGHT (GLOBE NIGHT) FEBRUARY 11-15 PYALITAN PEAK EXPLORATION Brgy. Coronabe & Brgy. Mapawa, Maragusan, ComVal 22-24 CAVING ACTIVITY Brgy. Goma, Digos City MARCH 3-8 BULAWAN FESTIVAL Nabunturan, Provincial Tourism Office 3-4 PAMINTARAN CAVE EXPLORATION Brgy. Pamintaran, Maragusan, Compostela Valley 20-23 HOLY WEEK CLIMB: WHITE PEAK CLIMB – MT. PANDADAGSAAN New Bataan, Compostela Valley APRIL 04 ARAW NG LAAK Poblacion, Laak 1st Week 2nd SURF AND SKIM BOARDING SAFARI Mati, Davao Oriental 14-15 DUGONG WATCH Mati, Davao Del Sur 16-18 TECHNICAL CLIMB EXPLORATION Mt. Tamporong, Napan, Brgy. Goma, Digos City 20 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Davao City CAVE ECO-ADVENTURE Nabunturan, Compostela Valley 20-26 DIVE FESTIVAL (WHOLE REGION) Island Garden City of Samal & Davao City 21 San Vicente Ferrer Fiesta Poblacion, Mawab 21-22 LIMPYO TA BAY Pangyan Falls, Davao Oriental 27 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MFSM Maragusan, Compostella Valley 27-31 SUBIDA SA MT. CANDALAGA (SUMMER CLIMB) Maragusan, Compostela Valley Last Week PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN (LGU Sta. Cruz) Sta.Cruz, Davao Del Sur Whole Month CAVE ECO-ADVENTURE Nabunturan, Compostela Valley MAY 01 COASTAL CLEAN-UP AND SKIM BOARDING COMPETITION Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur 01 ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER Poblacion, Montevista Fiesta 04 SUMMER CAMP FESTIVAL Davao City 2nd Week JERICO ECO-TREK Mt. Matayam, Macambol, Mati

JUNE Whole Month ECO-TOURISM MONTH 1st Week PHILIPPINE EAGLE WEEK Davao City 1st Week MAGDAO RIVER FUN BOATING Masagdao River, Brgy. Sagayen, Asuncion, Davao Del Norte 13 SAN ANTONIO FIESTA Poblacion, New Bataan 15-18 BONSAI FESTIVAL San Isidro, Davao Oriental 2nd Week INVITATIONAL CLIMB IN HAMIGUITAN San Isidro, Davao Oriental 26-30 ECO-TOURISM FESTIVAL Davao Del Norte JULY 05-06 MFSM BLOOD LETTING DRIVE '08 Davao City 26-27 MFSM TREE PLANTING Calinan, Davao City AUGUST 02-03 MFSM BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE 1 & 2 Davao City 23-24 MFSM BMC UP-GRADED IGACOS 29-31 MFSM CONGRESS Camp Sabros, Kapatagan, Davao Del Sur SEPTEMBER 15 INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP WEEK (REGION WIDE) 20-21 PENEK BUSAY EXPLORATION Brgy. Goma, Digos City OCTOBER 20-21 BANAYAN ECO-TREK Banaybanay, Davao Oriental 25 CAVING CONGRESS Cateel, Davao Oriental 25 WOW! RAFFLESIA (Watch in World’s Biggest Flower) Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Compostela Valley 27-30 OCTOBER MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Compostela Valley NOVEMBER 27-30 MINDANAO FORUM & CLIMB (MT. HAMIGUITAN) San Isidro, Davao Oriental 29-30 ADVENTURE TRIATHLON Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur DECEMBER 12-14 FOUNDATION DAY MFSM Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur

Tagum City's River Cruise

Tagum City recently opened their new tourist destination a river cruise.The two and a half engaging eco-experience will take you to a very inspiring nature hug..........embracing the wonder-of-wonders of an amazing Mangrove Forest Conservation Project in the City of Tagum.


An exciting 8.8-kilometer river cruise is the newest addition to the City of Tagum's wide array of must-see destinations.

The Tagum City River Cruise was officially launched in a simple yet meaningful ceremony held July 30, 2011 at Punong Restaurant which aimed of preserving the “wetlands of the city” and boost the city's eco-tourism drive.

This is a joint collaboration between the City Government of Tagum, City of Tagum Tourism Council, the Barangay Local Governments and Councils of Women.

The two-and-a-half hour Tagum City River Cruise offers distinctive features such as the sight of century-old mangroves and will take visitors to an inspiring nature hug, embracing the wonders the Mangrove Forest Conservation Project spearheaded by Mayor Rey T. Uy.

In his speech, Mayor Uy urged the public to visit and experience the river cruise but also pose a challenge to the ones who are directly benefiting the project.

“We (LGU Tagum) have done our part already. It's now your turn to preserve and develop this. This is not for our generation alone. This is for the next generation,” Mayor Uy stressed in vernacular during his speech.

For the past five years, 82, 500 seedlings were planted in the wetlands within the south and southeastern portion of the City, along the banks of waterways that stretches to more than 14 kilometers.

The River Cruise jumps off from Punong Restaurant with stopovers in Maningo Farm which features the famous soft-shelled crabs; the Ka'gan Village displays Muslim Trades and Delicacies; the boardwalk observatory which under the shades of century-old mangrove trees and lastly, a floating tiangge which sells packed goodies on a local gakit.

Present during the launching were Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Vice Governor Victorio R. Suaybaguio, Tourism Council President Mrs. Alma L. Uy, members of the media and Davao-and-Tagum-based tour operators.

PHOTO RELEASE

Interested participants may contact the City Tourism Office and the Tagum City Council of Women for reservations.

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and his wife, Mrs. Alma L. Uy signs as witnesses to the Covenant of Affirmation inked by the barangay captains of the City of Tagum and the president of the respective Barangay Councils of Women. Under the covenant, the barangays Liboganon, Madaum, Busaon and Pandapan will lead the community in preserving the mangrove areas along the Tagum City River Cruise. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

Tourists and members of the media wave as they leave the docking station to start the 2-hour Tagum City River Cruise. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO TagumTourists interact with Muslim Women at the Kagan Village, one of the stopovers of the Tagum City River Cruise. In this village, Kagan folks sell Muslim delicacies and handicrafts. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

The Boardwalk Canopy, one of the features of the Tagum City River Cruise. Photo by Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

A local tourist hands in a payment for the goods he bought at the floating tiangge, one of the features of the Tagum City River Cruise. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy plays the guitar with the Tagum City National Comprehensive High School Youth Rondalla at the Boardwalk Canopy along the 8.9-kilometer Tagum City River Cruise. Photo by Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum







http://www.tagumcity.gov.ph/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1313132304

Like any other country Philippines is rich in natural resources and blessed with a unique beauty of nature but as the time goes by many local or even foreign people are slowly destroying these natural treasures.

Eco Tourism is indeed a multiplier effect, an activity that benefits a lot. Eco tourism is where people preserve, protect, enhance and protect a natural place : mountain, river, falls, hills, etc. any faces of mother nature turned into a tourist destination. In it's beauty they can attract people to go witness their picturesqueness making more jobs for the people at the place. This is a good way of decreasing unemployed countrymen but this could also destroy the place without  proper supervision.If it is well thought through considering the effects it may cause and have solutions before it happens. Eco tourism might be the key to one of our country's problems: unemployed and poverty.

ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (often) small scale (as an alternative to mass tourism). Its purpose is to educate the traveler; provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.^[1] Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.^[2]

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or voluntourism, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.^[3] For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism