VARIOUS government agencies and offices have expressed support to the proposed ecopark development of the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Darco) at Barangay Caduha-an in Cadiz City.
These include the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), Negros Occidental Tourism Division (NOTD), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Cadiz City Government.
Representatives of these agencies and offices attended the Dalayapan Ecopark Concept Plan Presentation and Meeting at the Northland Resort Hotel in Manapla town earlier this week.
The one-day activity was initiated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Occidental - North in partnership with the proponent-Arbo.
The agencies vowed to provide financial and technical support for the concretization of the proposed ecopark development.
Penro head Edgardo Rostata said this developing tourism potential will be a big boost for Cadiz City.
“In a bid to preserve the natural resources of the area, endemic tree seedlings to be planted within the park will be provided,” he added.
The city government, through its livelihood program, is giving financial support amounting to P2.5 million to be utilized by the cooperative within the year.
Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Christine Mansinares said they will spearhead the area profiling to identify what resources will be included to augment the needs of the park.
Darco’s concept plan was presented by urban planner Lawyer Eli Gatanela and landscape architect Chris Xanthy Abuan.
“Having a plan is important for the proper utilization of the area, competition, profitability, sustainability and tourism promotion,” Gatanela said.
“Tourism promotion should be coupled with environment protection,” he added. (EPN)