An ADB trip advisory

MANILA, Philippines - While no one wishes endless bumpy rides, cancelled flights or nights without electricity, here are some stops to consider:

• Manila: San Agustin in the historic old walled city of Intramuros is rightly included as a highlight in a tour of the nation’s capital. But why not consider a ride down the Pasig River to ponder money that has been spent so far on rehabilitation and clean-up campaigns. ABS-CBN Foundation head Gina Lopez is an eloquent advocate of the changes that still must be done to truly restore the river to life.

• Corregidor: Just an hour’s ferry ride away stands Corregidor, the island fortress that guarded Manila Bay and fell to the Japanese during World War II some 70 years ago tomorrow (May 6). Sun Cruises offers regular and informative day trips. The Corregidor Foundation, the private sector and government have worked together to both develop and protect the island. More examples are needed of partnership in development efforts.

• Bangui, Ilocos Norte: Make your way to the northwest tip of Luzon to see the wind farm at Bangui, Ilocos Norte. Some 20 huge windmills are stretched along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay. As the Philippines struggles to meet electricity needs, ponder the Philippines’ efforts to harness geothermal and wind power as debates and controversy continue over nuclear energy and outdated coal-fired power plants.

Boat Mo, Ipatrol Mo!: A tour boat manned by former loggers slices through the clean turquoise waters of the Abuan River in Isabela. An initiative spearheaded by the Local Government of Isabela and the World Wide Fund for Nature now aims to convert former loggers into river guides. When logging stops, sources of clean freshwater won’t dry up. Photo by KIMBERLY ANG/WWF-Philippines

• Baguio: The journey to the old summer capital of Baguio provides a chance to ponder the nation’s air traffic and road infrastructure, including stretches of road financed with ADB and private sector support. Once known for the scent of pine trees and for a longtime US presence — one can still visit the old Camp John Hay — Baguio continues to charm. Parts of the city, however, also provide examples of development with little respect for history or the environment.

• Tuguegarao, Donsol and Coron: Marvel at the nation’s wildlife. In the northeast, witness hundreds of thousands of bats pouring out of Callao cave every dusk in a spectacular sight not far from the city of Tuguegarao. In Donsol, snorkel with the harmless whalesharks the size of city buses, or be amazed by thousands of tiny fireflies lighting the trees during an evening river raft ride. But whether there or amid the sea life off of the Coron islands of Palawan, take time also to think about how best to ensure such natural marvels continue in the face of population growth and necessary development.

The pine trees of Baguio: Once known for the scent of pine trees and for a longtime US presence — one can still visit the old Camp John Hay — Baguio continues to charm. Parts of the city, however, also provide examples of development with little respect for history or the environment. Photo by RAYMUND MARTELINO

In these and other places far from Manila, take the time to visit community groups selling locally made products or take part in community-driven tourism programs. Often initially funded by aid agencies, the challenges to such “livelihood” programs remains one of sustainability.

For those willing to not just have a bit of fun, but also to look at tourism with a new perspective, these and other destinations can help one understand the challenges of economic growth. Whether Boracay or Tagaytay, how to ensure that poorly planned development — with little respect for people, planet and partnership — does not destroy the proverbial goose that laid the golden egg?