ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is pushing to transform the upland municipality of Tubungan into a major agri-tourism destination, with a multi-sector assessment team identifying several high-potential sites for eco-adventure, cultural tourism, and agricultural enterprise development under the province’s expanding “Turista sa Barangay” program.
The move forms part of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s initiative to develop barangays into sustainable community-based tourism hubs, with Tubungan selected as one of the three pilot areas for the program aimed at integrating tourism, livelihood, and cultural preservation.
A Turista sa Barangay Technical Working Group (TWG), led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Provincial Tourism Officer Au Lynn Yue Sin, recently conducted a site assessment in the municipality together with local officials headed by Mayor Roquito Tacsagon, Vice Mayor Leo Cezar Taypen, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
The team evaluated several proposed tourism sites in Barangays Igpaho, Igtuble, and Batga in preparation for the launch of “Project Tubong Turismo,” Tubungan’s flagship agri-tourism development initiative.
Project Tubong Turismo seeks to transform the municipality into a sustainable agri-tourism hub by combining tourism development with agriculture and local enterprise generation.
Among the tourism attractions being developed are peace trails in Sitio Gamay Danao and Igpaho Proper, a scenic viewing deck behind the Sitio Danao Tourist Rest Area, and the rock climbing and terraced hiking trail in Sitio Maguey.
At the core of the initiative is Sitio Baldan, which is being positioned as an integrated agri-tourism showcase featuring an agricultural farm, a livestock multiplier demonstration farm, and a flower farm.
A bamboo plantation will also be established in partnership with the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resource Office (PGENRO).
To strengthen the town’s tourism accommodations, the municipal government is planning traditional nipa hut cottages and mountainside camping sites in Sitio Danao to provide visitors with an authentic countryside experience.
The project will also establish a tourism business hub aimed at generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Cultural heritage sites identified for development include the Cross of Balabago and Bubon Ibid, a sacred Panaet ritual site located in Barangay Batga.
Following the assessment, the TWG recommended several improvements to strengthen the municipality’s tourism potential.
The provincial government also committed infrastructure support for the project, including the construction of water and sanitation facilities, installation of streetlights, establishment of an IP Business Hub, expansion of viewing decks, and restoration of cultural heritage sites.
Mayor Tacsagon welcomed the provincial government’s support for the initiative.
“Nagapasalamat gid kami sa aton Iloilo provincial government led by our good governor, Gov. Toto Defensor, paagi sa aton Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, sa pagpatigayon sini nga assessment para ma amat-amat man naton plastar ang mga potential areas sa banwa para ini mangin isa ka agri-tourism destination,” Tacsagon said.
Yue Sin, meanwhile, commended the local leadership for its commitment to positioning Tubungan as one of Iloilo’s emerging tourism destinations./PN
