Salceda pushes four bills to develop Albay ecotourism sites

ALBAY Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda is pushing four bills to develop the province’s natural and historical attractions into ecotourism destinations while protecting the environment and creating local jobs.

Salceda sponsored House Bills Nos. 4002, 4008, 4010 and 4013 before the House Committee on Tourism, covering Mount Quiasog in Libon, Simeon Ola Cave in Guinobatan, Jovellar Cave and Underground River in Jovellar, and Buhawi Hills in Pio Duran.

He said tourism development must balance visitor access with environmental conservation, heritage preservation and livelihood opportunities for host communities.

“Sa Albay, hindi lamang Mayon ang puwedeng puntahan. Mayroon tayong mga bundok na puwedeng akyatin, mga kuweba at underground river na maaaring tuklasin, at iba pang mga likas na yaman na dapat nating pangalagaan,” Salceda said.

House Bill No. 4002 seeks to develop Mount Quiasog for trekking and other nature-based activities, with safeguards to protect its environment and opportunities for community-based businesses.

House Bill No. 4008 seeks to promote Simeon Ola Cave as a historical ecotourism site while preserving the legacy of General Simeon Ola through conservation measures, historical markers and visitor facilities.

House Bill No. 4010 proposes the careful development of Jovellar Cave and Underground River, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources-designated Class II cave, with visitor limits and safety measures to protect the site.

House Bill No. 4013 seeks to develop Buhawi Hills for trekking and eco-adventure activities, with proper planning to prevent soil erosion and environmental degradation.

Salceda said the initiatives aim to expand tourism beyond Mayon Volcano and allow more communities to benefit from local guiding services, hospitality and other enterprises.

He stressed that tourism growth should preserve Albay’s natural and historical assets for future generations.