THE municipality of Tublay in Benguet is preparing to develop its agri-ecotourism sites.
Mayor Armando Lauro said the local government partnered with ILove Foundation led by environment advocate Gina Lopez.
"We are now banking on our mission and envision Tublay as tourism hub municipality," said Lauro.
ILove Foundation is a Manila-based foundation that aims to identify potential tourist sites and prepare communities for the influx of tourists.
Lauro said communities and tourism destinations will focus more on organic, environment and cultural areas of the Benguet town.
The executive chief said they have coordination with Lopez, who recently visited the municipality in February meeting farmers and the local government unit, and have continuously brought local and foreign visitors in the potential ecotourism sites.
Chosen as a pilot area is Barangay Ambongdolan, which boasts of waterfalls, caves, trekking sites and rock climbing areas.
The University of the Cordilleras (UC) also stands as the town's partner and conduit for the project.
Lauro said despite being a fifth class municipality, the LGU is taking the opportunity for the communities to benefit in agri-ecoutourism.
"At the barangay level, we encourage them to help as there is a significance of their products as income generation of the community. That I think the main purpose in lifting Tublay from poverty, from being fifth class, we want to promote all eight barangays because of the uniqueness of all barangays," the mayor said.
Among emerging sites is Ambassador, which has lemon plantations and the old decommissioned Sto. Niño Mines, Barangay Caponga with coffee processing, Barangay Daclan filled with organic farmers, Barangay Basil with the historic Spanish trail, Barangay Ba-ayan with waterfalls, Barangay Central Tublay with a composting facility, Barangay Tuel with small hot spring and Bayokbok falls and Barangay Ambongdolan which houses Mt. Pocgong, caves, Kitong falls, and rock climbing activities.