How Capiz Promotes Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism in Capiz
The unassuming and quiet province of Capiz in Western Visayas gets its name out there, not just with the drawcard of being the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.
More and beyond, it’s one of the provinces in the country that promotes and practices sustainable tourism through destinations that provide local employment and ensures proper utilization of natural resources.
Learning Through Travel At Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village
Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village in Brgy. Nagba in Cuartero, for example, takes part by featuring itself as an agro-forestry attraction that houses Filipino traditional houses and endemic shrubs, bamboos, and trees. This is where visitors can learn and experience the culture first-hand as it is an open-air museum.
The treehouses at Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village
While day trip packages are available, a day may not be enough to spend at Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village. It’s like entering a time travel portal where you’ll learn how the ancient Filipinos of various tribes and clans lived. I was personally surprised to realize how much I actually know about these. There’s just so much more to learn. You can also book a package where you’ll be able to meet them in person and listen to their stories.
One of the traditional houses featured in the park, Bontoc House
The tours are very interactive and sensory. Visitors can get to experience the earliest traditions and activities, such as preparing and cooking native delicacies like Nilupak, Bicho-Bicho, Inday-Inday, and Ginataang Halo-Halo. They also showcase cultural dances and practices like accessories-making and traditional weaving.
One of the guides taught us how to make Nilupak
When you’re done with the tour, you can visit their cafe Kapehan sa Ecopark and sip a refreshing tea or have some of their fruit shakes and snacks.
Cruise With Meaning at Palina Greenbelt Eco-Park
The entrance fee to Palina Greenbelt Ecopark just costs Php10
When it comes to sustainable tourism, Palina Greenbelt Ecopark in Sitio Cablatan, Cagay, is also on top of mind. The place is managed by the Palina River Development Association members, and it was awarded with ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in 2018 and was the Grand Winner on Community-Based Responsible Tourism Enterprise.
The highlight of the eco-park is its Palina River Cruise Experience, where guests can have their seafood lunch in one of their floating cabanas while cruising the Palina River, enjoying the views, and learning about the area.
One-of-a-kind experience: cruise along one of Capiz’ most treasured rivers
The tour, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, includes a delectable lunch spread of various seafood such as grilled fish, crabs, oysters, shells, and many more with chicken, chorizo, and vegetables like lato. Once all guests are full, they will introduce the marine life in the area and how they take care of them.
Bask in the beauty of this scenery at Palina Greenbelt Ecopark
If you’ve got time, you can also experience learning about the mussel and oyster culture, go recreational fishing, and go live swimming for crab exposure. They also offer foot spa, body massage, and back and foot massage so you can make the most of the riverine scenery.
How You Can Promote Sustainable Tourism
If this is how Capiz does it, you can also do your part. Encourage your friends and family to visit these places and ensure they are on the first of the itinerary. Patronizing these attractions support the advocacy and help the locals have jobs.
AirAsia brings people from media and bloggers on an adventure in Capiz
How To Go To Capiz
It’s now more convenient to visit Capiz and wander in these places as AirAsia launches its newest destination, Roxas City. It flies thrice a week – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Read:
