Army assists Canlaon City in eco-tourism campaign

By Rachelle M. Nessia

Friday 25th of May 2012

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 25 (PIA) --- A battalion of the Philippine Army here recently led a trek to the Mt. Kanla-on National Park in an effort to promote eco-tourism for Canlaon City’s natural treasure.

The climb up the Kanlaon Volcano is in line with the 11th Infantry “Lapu-Lapu” Battalion’s (11IB) aim of assisting its stakeholder partners in their development initiatives.

The Canlaon City government has been embarking in an eco-tourism campaign for trekkers of Mt. Kanlaon with emphasis on environmental protection and preservation.

“So far, this is the Lapu-Lapu troopers’ fourth trek leading various concerned organizations and individuals coming from all around the country in climbing the beautiful and majestic Mt. Kanla-on,” said Capt. Ariel Quirog of the 11IB in a press statement sent to Philippine Information Agency.

Quirog said trekkers are drawn to the volcano’s crater and they enjoy the “mesmerizing walk over its former crater turned Margaja Valley.”

The battalion last year launched its “Oplan Bayanihan Lifts Mt. Kanlaon” project pushing for the accreditation of the Maput Trail and the licensing and legitimization of local tourist guides and porters.

“This definitely provided additional income to the locals, as well as additional revenues for the city,” said Capt. Quirog.

11IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac earlier pledged his unit’s continous support in facilitating cause-oriented activites for its community stakeholders, particularly in Canlaon City. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)