Columbio, a municipality in Sultan Kudarat, is poised to achieve a significant milestone as it moves closer to being officially declared a Tourism Development Area. On Tuesday, January 28, Senator Mark Villar presided over a public hearing for the proposed House Bill 8940, which aims to designate Columbio as a key tourism hub in the Philippines.
Senator Villar underscored the immense potential of Sultan Kudarat as a prime tourist destination, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. “Sultan Kudarat possesses landscapes rich in cultural heritage and tourism sites. This demonstrates how Columbio is abundantly endowed with the potential to rank among the nation’s top tourist attractions,” Villar remarked. He also noted that over ten similar bills are currently under review in Congress, reflecting the country’s commitment to promoting ecotourism and cultural heritage areas.
“Given their natural resources, we hope to see Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, among the likes of Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Just like these globally renowned tourist sites, our areas only need sufficient support to become successful tourism hubs,” Villar added, expressing confidence in Columbio’s potential to draw international visitors.
House Bill 8940, authored by Sultan Kudarat 1st District Representative Princess Rihan Sakaluran, prioritizes sustainable tourism practices that aim to benefit local communities while preserving the environment. If enacted, the bill will ensure that tourism in Columbio is ecologically sustainable, culturally sensitive, and economically viable.
The proposed legislation also mandates the national government to provide the necessary infrastructure and mechanisms to support sustainable tourism development. This includes assistance for local stakeholders and businesses, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend to the broader community.
Local officials and residents have expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, viewing it as a crucial step toward boosting the province’s economic landscape while protecting its rich natural and cultural heritage.
In 2024, Sultan Kudarat welcomed over 3 million tourists, many of whom visited popular attractions such as La Palmera Mountain Ridge, Pangadilan Rock Formation Falls, and Fekung Bula Falls in Columbio. These figures underscore the growing appeal of the region and its potential to compete with established tourist destinations in the country.
With strong support from both the local and national levels, Columbio is well on its way to becoming a premier tourism destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable development.
