Benguet SP to DENR: Stop tourist ban at Sto. Tomas

By Susan C. Aro

TUBA, Benguet – Provincial officials are now pushing entry of tourists at Mt. Sto. Tomas here after the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources stopped visitors from entering the area due to a court order arising from development of a part of the area by a former Baguio congressman. 

“Restraining tourists from entering Mount Santo Tomas in Tuba is just like killing the hen (goose) that lays the golden egg,” said Board Member Juan Nazarro Jr. said in his resolution asking the DENR to allow again tourists to visit the picturesque mountain made famous as the fictitious community called “La Presa” in the ABS-CBN television series  “Forevermore”.

The area was closed last year to tourism activities due to the enforcement of a Permanent Environment Protection Order issued by the Court of Appeals.

The PEPO was issued due to a case against former Baguio congressman Nick Aliping who developed an area within the forest reservation, according to Nazarro.

The closure had a domino effect and brought about decrease in income among residents in the area, and the town as a whole.

While the “La Presa” fever still remains, this should be taken advantage of, said Nazarro. 

He said the notice of judgment issued by the CA does not include banning tourists from entering Mount Sto. Tomas.

Other attractions and adventures in the area include  trekking, visiting the  life size Stations of the Cross, panoramic view of Baguio City, parts of the province including outlying areas like the Lingayen Gulf and a breathtaking view of stunning clouds below tossing the mountains. 

Tourism in the area should continue because it is beneficial not only to the province but to other people as it offers livelihood opportunities such as hiring of tourist guides, he added.

With the influx of tourists, one of the issues raised was the uncontrolled installation of market stalls within the vicinity of the “La Presa” area which Nazarro suggested could be located before the entrance.

He urged hastening of crafting of management plan of the forest reserve which integrates tourism.