KORONADAL CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 officially transferred the chairmanship of the Regional Ecotourism Committee (REC) to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 in a ceremonial turnover held on Monday, February 24.
The REC, established under Executive Order No. 111, which sets the guidelines for ecotourism development in the Philippines, is jointly led by the DOT and DENR, with the leadership alternating every three years.
Atty. Felix S. Alicer, regional executive director of DENR-12, highlighted the importance of a clear understanding of ecotourism in the region. He stressed that with the support of the DOT, ecotourism initiatives should be implemented within the proper context, ensuring cultural preservation, community engagement, and sustainable environmental management. He also emphasized the need for a strong presence within local government units (LGUs) and expressed hope for continued collaboration and support.
Incoming chair DOT-12 Regional Director Nelia R. Arina reaffirmed her commitment to continuing existing projects while introducing new initiatives. She underscored the importance of education and community participation in ecotourism efforts and the necessity of balancing nature conservation with cultural heritage preservation. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she emphasized the need for strategic planning and collaboration to advance ecotourism in the region.
The turnover event provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss ecotourism priorities, address challenges in protected areas, clarify policy guidelines, assess ongoing projects, and outline future strategies. It also reinforced the joint commitment of DENR and DOT to drive sustainable ecotourism development and support the sector’s growth in Region 12.
