BANTAY, Ilocos Sur—The provincial government of Ilocos Sur aims to develop the 24-hectare reforestation site in Sitio Caniaw, Barangay Taleb here into an eco-tourism and heritage park.
Initially, the provincial government has allotted P30 million to fund the construction of the Caniaw Heritage and Eco-Tourism Park project, with a groundbreaking ceremony signaling its formal start, Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson said Thursday.
“The development of the reforestation site is one of our initiatives for our sustainable local tourism industry program while we are maximizing, harnessing, and preserving our beautiful nature as attractive tourist destinations,” Singson said.
The site is set to become a tourist spot with various interactive adventure activities, he added.
“Initially, we will construct in the area a bike trail, camping site, high and low roping site, cottages, and a function hall for team building session,” said Singson.
Another attraction is the sanctuary of at least 55 species of trees. To preserve the natural habitat of the various species at the site, Ilocos Sur and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources made an agreement that trees will be cut at the site during the construction and operation of the project.
“Before pursuing this project, we consulted the DENR to make sure that no single tree will be cut. All designs were approved by them. We created the project not only for the sake of tourism but also to protect our nature and maintain the natural beauty,” said Singson.
“With its dense forestry and greenish surroundings, Caniaw Heritage and Eco-Tourism Park can truly attract travelers where everybody can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature developed by the creative minds of human in which this is a perfect sanctuary away from urban life,” the governor said.
