DENR execs ban ‘La Presa’ visitors

By Ian Pajarilla

TUBA, Benguet -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials have forbidden tourists from visiting Mount Santo Tomas here where the fictitious  place known as “La Presa” is located as portrayed in a television series.

Regional director Ralph Pablo of DENR-CAR, however said the ban is not permanent.

He said environment restoration and creating of eco-sites will be done first to make it a tourist site with activities such as mountain trekking, biking, and jogging.

Vendors have been banned and other local businesses in the area are also being removed while they are improving Mt. Sto. Tomas.

Pablo said eventually, tourists will be allowed to visit the place as soon as the project is finished. By then, tourists will only be able to visit certain parts of the mountain.

Pablo added these restrictions will be for the well-being and preservation of the environment.