Apayao becoming ecotourism haven

By Dexter See

APAYAO – This lowland Cordillera province is fast becoming an alternative ecotourism destination in Northern Luzon with its numerous sites being uncovered by thousands of foreign and domestic tourists who want to take an adventure in different parts of the country considering that ecotourism is now the by-word of the country’s booming industry.

For the past three years, the provincial government had been actively promoting two major eco-tourist destinations in the province which are worthy of visiting, especially among adventurers who want to explore the rich natural and scenic spots in the different parts of the province.

Among the possible ecotourism sites in the province include the Bacut Lake in Sta. Marcela town and the Lussok caves in the capital town of Luna.

Apayao is considered by tourism industry stakeholders as a bastion of natural wonders because of the existence of unexplored ecotourism sites that are worthy of visiting even if the province is located near the tip of the Luzon island.

Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr. said the local government remains open to exploring and promoting tourist sites in the different parts of the province in order to open the floodgates of economic growth that will be instrumental in uplifting the living condition of many people in the countryside.

Although considered as one of the top ten poorest provinces in the country today based on recent surveys conducted by concerned government agencies in charge of the same, Bulut cited the provincial government is now doing active promotions of the different ecotourism sites not only in the country but also in neighboring countries to attract the influx of tourists to the province which will help generate the needed income that will spur the desired economic growth.

Bacut lake, which is located in the fifth-class town of Sta. Marcela, is described as unique among Philippine lakes because at the center of the lake is an islet. Furthermore, a diverse species of flora and animals live near the scenic lake.

The place is reportedly an ideal venue for campaign, boating, rafting, picnic and fishing which is one of the likes of foreign and local adventurers seeking other untapped tourist destinations in the country purposely to unwind.

On the other hand, the Lussuk cave not only offers a spectacular view of rock formations but it also has crystals embedded in the cave itself.

Other tourist spots in the province include ancient Spanish churches in Pudtol, Agora and Anag-sika-po wildlife sanctuaries in Cabugao, Maton Underground River, the Dibagat River and the famous Marag Valley viewpoint.

Apayao is most accessible through Cagayan or Ilocos Norte provinces depending on what mode of transportation tourists desire to use to reach the scenic ecotourism sites of Northern Luzon.