The City Government of Puerto Princesa wants to development the three-kilometer San Carlos Bacungan Mangrove River Cruise in a bid to boost its potentials to become one of the city’s popular tourism destinations.
Lorraine Banzuelo, head of the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office, (LEIPO) said that the site can rival Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise because of its appealing natural environment. It has a lush mangrove area and its serene sparkling green river exits toward Honda Bay and Pearl Farm area.
She said that the development and expansion of San Carlos Bacungan Mangrove River Cruise is possible through loan, grant, partnership and joint venture with the Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) in the area. Currently, the CBST offers kayaking, trekking and river cruise as its main attractions.
“Sa ngayon ay kulang sa facilities at promotions itong CBST sa Barangay Bacungan kaya kailangang may ka-partner na investors. Mas magaganda ang mga mangroves dito at kayang-kaya nitong mag-compete sa Loboc Bohol river cruise,” she said.
CBST was institutionalized by the city government through City Ordinance No. 546 that was enacted in 2013. It is intended to strengthen the community who will operate a specific tourism activity, so that the locals who are members of these CBST associations will directly benefit from the tourism arrival and the income derived from the tourism activities in their locality.
Banzuelo said that among the plans for the site is the establishment of river cruise facilities such as restrooms and shops and floating boat-restaurant, they conceptualize as San Carlos Floating Restaurant and a floating market, showcasing local products and delicacies.
She further said that they also want to expand tourism activities such as firefly watching, crab fattening and beach activities at Honda Bay.
Discussion about this post