CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) have been urged to turn over the management and operation of the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village to the city government of Cagayan de Oro amid reports of the site’s possible closure.
Established in 1991, the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village has been one of the city’s flagship attractions, known for its scenic views, cultural exhibits and nature-based amenities.
The site now faces uncertainty as TIEZA reportedly struggles to sustain rental charges imposed by the DENR, which owns the property.
The lease agreement between the DENR and TIEZA will expire on Dec. 3 and if not renewed, 46 workers of the tourist site, mostly members of the Lumad indigenous peoples’ group, stand to lose their livelihood.
Councilor Girlie Balaba, chair of the city council committee on tourism, has expressed concern over the possible displacement of workers and the potential wastage of the site’s tourism potential.
Balaba appealed to the DENR to consider lowering the rental rates and to allow the city government under Mayor Rolando Uy to assume the management and operation of the tourism site.