LGU Naga, MNWD set to boost ecotourism initiatives for Mt. Isarog Natural Park

Chairman Jorge T. Palma (3rd from left) and GM Virgilio B. Luansing I (center) attended the opening program of the Food and Beverage Livelihood Training for Mt. Isarog communities in Naga City – a joint project between MNWD and LGU Naga represented by Mr. Alec Francis A. Santos, ACTO Chief-of-Office (3rd from right).

With the purpose to create livelihood opportunities for the families and women of the Mt. Isarog communities in Naga, the City Government of Naga headed by Mayor Nelson S. Legacion thru Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (ACTO) in partnership with the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) organized the Food and Beverage Livelihood Training at Gaudensa Institute, Jacob Street. Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City on January 29-31, 2020.

In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Alec Francis A. Santos, ACTO Chief-of-Office shared among the participants the need for said training due to the emerging opportunity as a result of the increasing number of tourists headed for the Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP) and who have frequented the tourist destinations within its periphery.

The 3-day intensive training program is the first offering from the series of training for this project designed to capacitate the community with substantial skills on food and beverage preparation with the expertise of Chef Billy B. Genterola, Dean and Culinary Director of Gaudensa Institute as the resource person.

Mt. Isarog is one of the popular ecotourism sites in Naga City and landmark of Camarines Sur with its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Every year, thousands of tourists both local and foreign visit Mt. Isarog and is expected to increase if developments can be made.

Engr. Virgilio B. Luansing I, MNWD’s General Manager strongly supports this initiative as it will benefit the families and communities of Mt. Isarog more so, it is an opportunity for us to encourage more people to care for the environment, thereby, protecting our water resources too. In his message, he emphasized that Mt. Isarog should not only be seen for its beauty but also, be valued as a source of life and water, hence, we must continue to maintain its diversity and abundance.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors Jorge T. Palma shared among the group the mandate of MNWD when it comes to the management and development of sustainable water supply within our service coverage area. MNWD has been very committed in the implementation process with the strong support from LGU Naga. Chairman Palma stressed the significant partnership it has with the local government saying that a collective and holistic approach including the community is integral if we want to achieve sustainability.

Also present during the opening program were the staff from the Engineering and Environment Department lead by OIC Department Manager Vicente Aniceto D. Rubio. (APVSGonzales)