ILOILO – The provincial government is ramping up efforts to position Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town as a leading eco-tourism destination, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. recently met with officials and stakeholders from the Save Pan de Azucar group to discuss the island’s transformation into a model eco-tourism site that will conserve its unique ecosystems while fostering local tourism.
Pan de Azucar, famous for its towering Mount Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), is home to three barangays: Macatunao, Talotu-an, and Tambaliza. Its rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it an ideal candidate for eco-tourism.
To further this vision, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias convened a coordination meeting with the Provincial Tourism Office and local barangay officials. The goal of the meeting was to assess the island’s tourism potential, evaluate its existing infrastructure, and pinpoint opportunities for sustainable development.
“First, we need to inventory our tourism assets and facilities and determine the needs of the island to make it an eco-tourism area,” Banias stressed.
As part of the initiative, the provincial government plans to organize a broader stakeholders’ meeting to align various development proposals with the needs and aspirations of Pan de Azucar’s residents. This inclusive approach aims to maximize the economic and social benefits of tourism while ensuring that the island’s ecological integrity is maintained.
In 2024, residents near Pan de Azucar raised concerns about proposed quarry and mining activities on the island, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment and public health. They expressed strong opposition, particularly due to concerns over arsenic contamination in the local groundwater, underscoring the island’s vital ecological role.
The move to develop Pan de Azucar into an eco-tourism hub is in line with Governor Defensor’s Executive Order No. 168, which established the “Turista sa Barangay” program. This initiative promotes rural tourism by developing villages as attractive destinations for visitors and creating spaces that cater to tourists while ensuring environmental sustainability. As part of this effort, the provincial government is also focusing on reforestation and social forestry projects to preserve and enhance green spaces across the region./PN
