• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Victorias City marked a significant milestone June 11 in its continuing sustainable tourism efforts and the bid to showcase the rich biodiversity of Gawahon Eco-Park, positioning it as a world-class birding destination.
“Gawahon Eco-Park is truly a birder’s paradise, as it is home to 106 bird species and more than 55 mammals, and herpetofauna, which many are endemic, endangered, and threatened,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said.
“Keeping this site as a sustainable eco-tourism destination is important in promoting long-term conservation and preservation, protecting the area’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems”, hence the city’s “Gawahon: A Birder’s Paradise” entry to the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) of the Department of Tourism in 2023.
Out of 98 proposals from 90 LGUs across the country, Victorias’ entry was among the 15 national winners, placed fourth among all entries in the Visayas cluster, and received a total of P13 million in funding.
The first sub-project under the broader “Birder’s Paradise” initiative was the construction of an information center and tourist one-stop-shop, with no less than DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) assistant chief operating officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada, and several assistant secretaries attending the groundbreaking ceremony June 11.
The infra project will serve as an education and orientation hub for tourists, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Gawahon, Benitez said in his message after the groundbreaking. “This center will feature a visitor orientation area, a viewing deck, interpretive galleries on birds and native species, and a shop that will sell locally-crafted souvenirs.”
He highlighted that the Gawahon project is more than just infrastructure, as it represents an investment in environmental preservation, inclusive growth, and long-term prosperity for Victoriasanons.
Victorias Councilor Derek Palanca, who welcomed the guests at the event, said that Gawahon deserves to be shared not just with tourists, but with the rest of the world. He added that this latest development “is a major step in the city’s continuing effort to promote a sustainable, inclusive, and locally-grounded tourism.”
Frasco commended Victorias City for its forward-thinking proposal and reaffirmed the DOT’s strong support for initiatives that position eco-tourism as a catalyst for inclusive progress and environmental resilience.
“Gawahon – A Birder’s Paradise is proof that when national vision aligns with local determination, we can build something truly meaningful and lasting,” Frasco said as she recognized Victorias’ strategic focus on nature-based tourism development.
Following the ceremonial MOA signing and messages of support, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was also held for the newly-completed Gawahon Hostel, the city said.
The two-storey, seven-room dormitory-type accommodation was built to respond to the growing demand for overnight lodging in the area, especially during major events, such as scouting activities, athletic competitions, and seminars.
Frasco, in a post, congratulated Victorias, led by Benitez, on the inauguration of the Gawahon Hostel.
“Surrounded by lush forest landscapes, the hostel enhances the tourist experience while reinforcing Victorias City’s commitment to community-based and sustainable tourism development,” she added. | VCIO, DOT photos
