SALVADOR BENEDICTO -- Mayor Laurence Marxlen de la Cruz said the protection of the environment is a priority as the town’s tourism industry flourishes being the summer capital of Negros Occidental.
“We will not allow the same mess in Boracay to happen here. Thus, necessary measures to address potential environmental problems are being put in place,” the mayor said.
De la Cruz, who met with the officers of the Negros Press Club at his residence here on Sunday, said they are banking on the municipality’s cool climate and natural view to further boost the tourism industry.
About 68 percent of the total area of Salvador Benedicto is under the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).
On March 15, the Protected Area Management Board will hold its meeting in the town.
Included in the agenda is how to manage the trekking activity at the Malatan-og Falls, a major tourist attraction.
De la Cruz said they have identified a waste management problem since some trekkers throw their garbage such as bottles and plastics in the vicinity of the waterfalls.
“If problems cannot be addressed by people's organizations there, I am considering the possibility of temporarily stopping the trekking activity there than letting them destroy our resources,” the mayor said.
De la Cruz added that he will also talk to the members of the Municipal Council and urge them come up with an ordinance strengthening protective measures for Malatan-og Falls as well as other ecotourism sites in the municipality.
He said that he is also proposing to implement registration of trekkers and group them into 10 per one guide.
“We will check their things, give them garbage bags, and teach them to be responsible trekkers,” the mayor said.
Situated 682 meters above sea level, Salvador Benedicto is also tagged as the little Baguio of Negros Occidental.
Currently, it has at least six major tourism accommodation establishments mostly mountain and river-resorts and highland facilities.
The flourishing tourism industry of Salvador Benedicto has also paved the way to the development of various road-side businesses like coffee shops and stalls selling agricultural products.
De la Cruz said the municipal government is also putting premium on infrastructure development, including roads, power and water services.