PIDUAN ECO-TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PIDUAN ECO-TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM:
A PROJECT PROPOSAL

Submitted by

JEREMIAH T. MAGSAYO

On behalf of

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT OF DON VICTORIANO

DON VICTORIANO (CHIONGBIAN), MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Fund Source: Local Government Unit of Don Victoriano

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I. Introduction

The Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) is an essential stretch of natural

landscape that hosts one of the unique waterfall structures strategically located at

Sitio Piduaan, harboring both territorial boundaries of Brgy. Lalud and Brgy.

Napangan, Don Victoriano (Chongbian), Misamis Occidental. Over the years, these

curtain waterfalls have been a great source of water bodies overflowing along the

Salug River headwaters, posing as a crucial abiotic factor. Moreover, Piduan curtain

waterfalls are characterized mainly by distinct habitats such as grassland, upland–

wetland, and low montane forests, which support high biodiversity components

critical in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Apart from its ecological

significance, Piduan curtain waterfalls also play a pivotal role in agricultural activities

and the rich cultural heritage of Subanen indigenous peoples – the primary settlers in

MMRNP.

The abundant water source flowing out from Piduan curtain waterfalls along with

Salug River headwaters has been utilized by the Subanen people in terms of

harnessing agricultural activities by planting high commodity valued crops such as

corn, vegetables, and even banana and abaca plantations that are crucial to their

survival. Despite the bounty harvest, local farmers have constantly been challenged

to transport their farm products because of the problematic roads that limit access,

thus decapitating income acceleration and making them economically impaired. In

fact, in the early 2000s, Don Victoriano was tagged as one of the poorest

municipalities in Misamis Occidental despite its vibrant and rich natural resources

(DSWD, 2009).
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The roaring insurgency also induced the situation, which resulted in volatile

situations, pushing people uphill and continuous migration, which resulted in

decreased population (PSA, 2008). It left Don Victoriano to be a fourth-class

municipality in Misamis Occidental. Despite hosting pristine waterfalls with enormous

ecological and economic impact simultaneously, it holds a favorable site for eco-

tourism developments.

In 2020, the Local Government Unit of Don Victoriano, through the Department of

Public Works and Highways (DPWH), began constructing the Napangan Barangay

Road, linking it to Sitio Piduan. This infrastructure project aimed to ease local access

to farm-to-market products and pave the way for eco-tourism opportunities that are

highly important in alleviating the socio-economic and cultural living of the Subanen

people. This initiative also positions the municipality of Don Victoriano to achieve the

United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in 2030. Significantly, this road

development has enhanced transportation and facilitated tourism by granting

improved access to the previously hard-to-reach Piduan Curtain waterfalls. Before

the construction of roads, visitors endured a challenging four-kilometer trek from the

riverbed, navigating moderate terrain with stream crossings along the Salug River.

The completion of FMRs has fostered closer ties between the government and the

community while curbing insurgent threats, transforming Piduan from a former refuge

for rebels and insurgents (AFP, 2022). Simultaneously, the FMR has become a

conduit for increasing tourist arrivals, especially to the Piduan Curtain waterfalls,

which has greatly contributed to the growing economic revenue of the municipality

while introducing the Subanen culture to external visitors.

While developments within the territorial bounds of Piduaan curtain waterfalls are

inevitable due to agricultural, eco-tourism, and cultural practices, certain limits are
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poised to be elevated to avoid compromising the carrying capacity of such natural

resources. A key biodiversity area will become vulnerable to disasters and even lose

its ecosystem services when unsustainably managed (Amoroso et al., 2017).

Meanwhile, the overwhelming construction of site development areas within the

Piduaan curtain waterfalls is seen to have deleterious impacts, which may lead to

significant biodiversity loss, unpredictable disasters, reduced soil nutrients, and over-

exploitation of Subanen's cultural integrity. It poses an alarming concern for all

constituents of Don Victoriano and Misamis Occidental as a whole. Hence, the need

for collaborative efforts among proper authorities such as the LGU, Local

Stakeholders, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and

the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Indigenous Peoples

Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in the municipality is necessary to avoid such

negative impacts.

Recognizing the tourism potential and the need for sustainable ecological

management, the Local Government Unit of Don Victoriano will apply as the

proponent for a Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) for the Piduan

Ecotourism Development Program (PEDP). Aiming to regulate tourist influx and

safeguard Piduan Curtain Waterfalls' environmental integrity and surrounding

watershed, the PEDP underscores the commitment to balance ecological

conservation with responsible tourism management and socio-economic

development.

II. Framework for the Piduan Eco-tourism Development Program (PEDP)

Vision:
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Piduan: A center for sustainable eco-tourism development in Northern Mindanao,

balancing environmental and ecological conservation through responsible tourism
practices, cultural heritage preservation, and improved economic benefits for the
empowered Subanen community and the Local Government Unit of Don Victoriano,
Misamis Occidental.

Mission:

The Piduan Eco-Tourism Development program aims to be the leading eco-tourism

destination in Region 10, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals by
promoting environmentally friendly tourism and agriculture, which contributes to a
thriving Don Victoriano economy, where the Subanen people have access to good
jobs, and the environment is protected.

Objectives:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive eco-tourism development and

management plan (CDMP) for Piduan.
2. Collaborate with the Subanen IPs to ensure their active participation and
benefit-sharing in the PEDP.
3. Promote responsible tourism practices that minimize environmental impact
and respect the Subanen culture.
4. Integrate reforestation projects into the PEDP to restore degraded habitats,
promote biodiversity, and enhance the overall ecological health of Piduan.
5. Invest in sustainable infrastructure development to support eco-tourism
activities without compromising the natural environment.
6. Attract ecotourists by showcasing the natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural
heritage of Piduan as part of the Mount Malindang Range and Natural Park.
7. Foster environmental education and research initiatives to promote
conservation efforts in the PEDP area.
8. Ensure the safety and security of visitors while respecting the indigenous
rights of the Subanen community.

Key Strategies:
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1. Planning and Management:

 Present the Capstone Project Proposal of the PEDP and request

resolution from the MMRNP Protected Area Management Board for
clearance of the LGU in its SAPA application.

 Secure the Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) from

the DENR.

 Incorporate a comprehensive eco-tourism management plan into the

Municipal Tourism Development Plan with tourist, waste management,
and resource conservation guidelines.

 Establish a management committee with LGU, DENR, the Subanen

IPs community representatives, and relevant stakeholders.

 Conduct Capacity-building workshops on eco-tourism management for

the LGU staff and the community.

2. Community Engagement:

 Create economic opportunities for the Subanen people through

employment in tourism services, handicraft/souvenir sales, and local
produce markets.

 Design eco-tourism activities that integrate the Subanen culture and

traditions respectfully.

 Support preserving Subanen language, customs, and

traditional/cultural knowledge.

3. Infrastructure Development:

 Construct basic infrastructure for eco-tourism, such as designated eco-

cottages (built using sustainable materials) and sanitary facilities with
proper waste management systems.
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 Develop walkable nature trails and interpretative signage to educate

visitors about the Mt. Malindang environs and the Subanen culture.

 Implement sustainable practices for water conservation and energy

(Using solar power) in all tourism facilities.

4. Environmental Sustainability:

 Conduct a carrying capacity study to determine the maximum number

of tourists Piduan can accommodate without environmental damage.

 Implement waste management and recycling programs to minimize

pollution.

 Promote eco-friendly practices among tourists, such as using reusable

water bottles and minimizing single-use plastics.

 Support conservation initiatives for the local flora and fauna, including
protecting the headwaters of the Salug River.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

 Develop a monitoring plan to track the environmental, social, and

economic impacts of the PEDP.

 Regular evaluations should be conducted to assess the program's

effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

 Promote transparency and accountability by involving the local

community in monitoring and evaluation processes.
6. Financial Sustainability:
 Develop a sustainable financing strategy for the PEDP, including
revenue generated from tourist fees, environmental fees, LGU Don
Victoriano 20% Development Fund, and potential government grants.
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 Invest in eco-friendly infrastructure that can generate long-term

economic benefits.
 Encourage responsible tourism practices that prioritize visitor
satisfaction and contribute to positive word-of-mouth marketing.