The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has earmarked P100 million for the Buglas Highlands Eco-Tourism Park in Barangay Janay-Janay, San Jose, Negros Oriental.
The park will be built on three hectares of a 25-hectare property owned by the provincial government, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) said during a recent stakeholders’ workshop in Dumaguete City.
Woodrow Maquiling Jr., executive director of the Provincial Tourism Board, said the park is a joint project of the provincial government and TIEZA, and aims to promote environmental conservation and create livelihood opportunities for upland communities.
Planned facilities include a lobby with a glass facade, accommodation villas, and spaces for wellness and cultural tourism, the PTO said in a Philippine Information Agency NegOr report adding the park overlooks the Tañon Strait, with views of Cebu and Siquijor.
It is nine kilometers from the highway and four kilometers from the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.
Janay-Janay punong barangay Rico Mier, who is also the president of the Twin Lakes Farmers Association, said the project will create jobs for residents and help local farmers.
“Dako namong pasalamat sa provincial government nga napili ning among lugar kay makahatag kini og employment sa among katawhan. Makatabang sab kini sa mga farmers sa barangay kay apil man sab ang agricultural development sa turismo (We are very grateful to the provincial government for choosing our area, because this will provide employment for our people. It will also help the farmers in the barangay, because agricultural development is part of the tourism project)”, Mier added.
The park is also expected to include a farm tourism component.
The property has existing facilities of the Department of Agriculture Research and Development Center, including an animal breeding and artificial insemination station and an administration office.
The provincial government and the DA have agreed to move the center to a new building within the property, so its agricultural programs can continue.
Maquiling had said that the development of Buglas Highlands is one of Governor Chaco Sagarbarria’s flagship projects for 2027, and envisioned to further boost tourism and attract more visitors to Negros Oriental. ||
