After almost a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley has finally reopened to the public the Bangan Hill National Park (BHNP) on Nov. 3, this year.

 

Through the support of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Nueva Vizcaya and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the park reopening was aimed at promoting ecological tourism in Protected Areas (PAs).

A motorcade around the national highways of Bayombong and Solano towns was one of the highlights followed by a thanksgiving mass officiated by Fr. Enrique Tiongson.

 

DENR Regional Executive Director and PAMB chairperson Gwendolyn Bambalan underscored the significance of collaboration among partner agencies to realize the plans for the development of the BHNP and other PAs in the region.

 

“If we develop the area, we can showcase a natural resource conservation sustainably not only for the Novo Vizcayanos but also for the entire region since the province is the gateway to Cagayan Valley and nearby regions,” RED Bambalan said.

 

She hoped all tourism activities in Nueva Vizcaya will continue to flourish because these will have direct and indirect benefits to the communities.

 

PENR Officer Giovannie Magat said future improvement within the park will be implemented through the PAMB to offer ecotourism activities to visitors and tourists, but their safety, however, is most priority.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Antonio Sergio Bagasao of Bayombong emphasized the need to inculcate in the minds of younger generation the importance of nature. “This grand reopening of Bangan Hill is a symbol, if you dig deeper in the hearts of people, there is a desire to go back to the original design of creation. The vision and mission of Bangan Hill is touching the soul of every individual,” he said as he thanked the initiative and support of the DENR and PAMB members, and the provincial government for making the event possible.

 

Also present during the ceremony were Bayombong Vice Mayor Ramon Cabauatan Jr., PENAR Officer Tito Tanguilig, Division Chiefs from the DENR Regional Office, CENR Officers, PAMB members, Civil Society Organizations, and other DENR and local officials.

 

The hill, located in the heart of the capital town of Bayombong was recently renovated by the DENR funded by the Biodiversity Management Bureau. This includes concreting of access roads and repair of view deck tower, installation of water system, and park landscaping.#

 

(PENRO Nueva Vizcaya)