The new Inararo trail leading to Mount Pinatubo crater is expected to usher in tourism activity and benefit the Aeta communities in the area.
This was made possible through the efforts of travel tour operator Pinatubo Mountainero by means of community-based tourism development intimated by Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) Chairman Roman King in March 2022. King would later be succeeded by his son Norman.
The trail features scenic views through the Ana-an Falls and the Tutulari Avatar Gorge, combining 4x4 rides and a 5.8-kilometer hike.
During a media forum at Swissotel Clark, Pinatubo Mountainero Chairman Bari Silvestre told members of the Pampanga Press Club that the trail underwent improvements and developments, making it now fit for hiking and tourism.
The project also went through multiple iterations and consultations with several sectors and is still in continuous development, Silvestre added.
The trail is covered by the ancestral domain of the local Aeta community, with policies, management, and regulation directly involving the indigenous people.
“The project showcases a successful collaboration between indigenous communities and tourism stakeholders, prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity with proper process,” Silvestre said.
He added that the new trail would benefit local tourism-related industries as well as nearby places like Clark Freeport and Angeles City.
Pinatubo Mountainero also offers other activities like community immersion, local food sampling, and archery.
Silvestre said he hopes the new trail will attract more tourists