Antique, Philippines—Sibalom Natural Park (SNP) is set to be introduced as an ecotourism destination on May 10 in the southern part of Antique province. The park, spanning 6,778.44 hectares across 18 villages of Sibalom, was designated as a natural park under Republic Act 11038.
According to Philippines News Agency, SNP Protected Area deputy superintendent, the park will offer forest tours, local cuisine, and a community experience that highlights the culture of the area. He detailed that the services like tour-guiding and housekeeping will be managed by trained Bantay Gubat volunteers, who have undergone extensive training in tourism and customer service skills supported by the United Nations Development Program-Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) since 2022.
The initiative to open the park to ecotourism follows comprehensive training in tour-guiding and community-based ecotourism product development, with SNP chosen for its rich biodiversity, including species like the Visayan warty pig and various hornbills, and for being the habitat of the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia speciosa.
Oczon highlighted that the park is equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, gazebos, and cottages designed for family and organizational gatherings. Local entertainment will include performances of songs and dances by Bantay Gubat volunteers. Culinary offerings will feature native dishes that have been recognized in local culinary competitions, alongside a signature drink made from local fruits.
In anticipation of the opening, volunteers are setting up a reception and orientation area crafted from local materials such as bamboo and coconut leaves. Oczon expressed hopes for SNP's future as a world-class ecotourism destination.