With the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province recently being recognized as one of the most sustainable and innovative tourism projects worldwide, Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles has urged private sector businesses to “be like Masungi“ in exploring sustainable tourism and help protect the environment.
The conservation project was cited earlier this month by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of three leading private sector-led tourism projects in the world.
“We should make sure that communities in the area are not unjustly displaced.”
Nograles, in whose district the Masungi Georeserve can be found, said the project should serve as a template for other companies to follow.
Nograles has filed House Bill No. 2639 seeking to declare the Masungi Georeserve as a tourist destination.
The declaration would help set up the proper infrastructure to support tourism in and around the area, Nograles said.
“Hindi pwedeng magpaiwan ang pamahalaan sa private sector pagdating sa conservation efforts. It is, after all, government’s duty to secure the interests and patrimony of the people,” Nograles said.
The solon, who is also Assistant Majority Leader, added that the sustained success of the Masungi Georeserve and that of other sustainable tourism projects across the country is closely tied with how well government responds to the issues that arise from the development of such sites.
“Mahalaga na ang development natin ng areas na ito adheres to the natural features of the place. Wala dapat damage, and equally important, we should make sure that communities in the area are not unjustly displaced. In fact, their welfare should be foremost in our priorities,” said the lawmaker who is also Vice Chair of the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities.
Nograles also encouraged people to visit not only Masungi, but the other sites his district has to offer, such as the Wawa Dam, Daranak Falls, and Mount Daraitan.
“You are all welcome to visit and experience the breathtaking views that Rizal has to offer. Pero, friendly reminder lang po, sana maging conscious tayo and be mindful that we leave as little trace as possible during our visits.”