Bohol's town pushes for eco-tourism development

SAN ISIDRO, BOHOL, Philippines   - Unknown to many, this land-locked and relatively secluded 5th-class town may not only be agriculturally-rich but also has big potential for ecological tourism.

Mayor Juanito Naraga, in an interview with The Freeman, said proper and extensive marketing could boost these potentials and put the town in the country's tourism map.

The mayor said he and his constituents thanked the provincial government and Governor Edgar Chatto for launching here the HEAT caravan last February 21. The medical and social missions of the caravan have also re-ignited the town's plan for eco-tourism promotion.

The town boasts of its undisturbed Kilab-kilab Falls in Barangay Caimbang, the two-storey high Cantijong Cave in Brgy. Cansague Sur, and the Candungao Peak in Brgy. Candungao, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Calape and neighboring towns.

Town Councilor Sarah Burbano told The Freeman that Cantijong Cave is the home of bats and local python snake (baksan). She and her fellow councilors, Jorge Cosmod, Beatriz Dinorog and Allan Tinaja, wanted their town's eco-tourism treasures promoted to tourists so as to attract investors and generate jobs for the townsfolk.

The town has now three road accesses available to visitors coming from Tagbilaran City: One is via Antequera town, the other is via Catigbian, and the third one is via Candunago. (FREEMAN)