LAOAG CITY—The sudden upsurge of tourists visiting Madongan Dam, with its cascading waterfalls and crystal clear waters, is starting to alarm residents with an overwhelming number of cottages being built below its lower stream and some individuals disposing garbage improperly.
“Madongan Dam in Dingras, Ilocos Norte will only last for five years if the constraint in the upper stream of the watershed will not be given attention to,” said Charlie Batin, a forester-researcher who specializes in silviculture, agroforestry and social forestry at the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City.
According to Batin, the watersheds need proper management so it can continue to serve its purpose for the next generation. Citing thousands of tourists and picnickers visiting the area this summer season, he suggested that carrying capacity studies be conducted “to regulate the influx of people going to this emerging local tourist destination.”
The Madongan river resort within the tri-boundaries of Dingras, Marcos and Nueva Era towns is attracting huge number of local and foreign tourists including balikbayans here.
The dirt road leading to the place has a hiking trail overlooking cornfields, silted rivers and denuded forests.
“Now that our place is becoming popular because of Madongan Dam, we need to lead by example and protect our environment. Our dam offers a majestic view but we can’t deny our mountains are denuded. We really need to plant more trees and prevent those who cut trees including those who burn our forest,” said Tony Casimiro, a resident of San Marcelino, Dingras, Ilocos Norte.
In view of this, the local government unit of Dingras town led by Mayor Erdio Valenzuela said Wednesday he will lead a team to visit Madongan to meet with local tourism stakeholders in the area and formulate plans for eco-tourism development and at the same ensure protection of the critical watershed.