After the reopening of the Bangan Hill National Park (BHNP) located in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya in November 2022, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley led the inauguration of the coffee shop and other facilities within the protected area (PA).

 

The coffee shop, PA information center, ticketing booth, view deck and hostel were constructed by DENR Region 2 with funding support from the Biodiversity Management Bureau.

 

Through the improved facilities, the BHNP now offers fun and relaxation activities such as hiking, biking, picnic trips, photo shoots, bird watching, and viewing within the almost 13-hectare scenic spot in the province.

 

“The improvement of Bangan Hill National Park was really a dream come true. At first, we do not know where to get funds to charge all the activities we planned to do. Our being adamant to pursue what were in our minds and our good networking with officials from the DENR Central Office really paid off,” said Director Bambalan.

 

She underscored the importance of improving the ecotourism facilities not only in BHNP but also in other protected areas of the region.

 

“I believe that ecotourism development will not only enhance the efforts towards conserving the remaining natural resources but also create economic opportunities in the local community,” she added emphasizing the engagement of people's organization members in the ecotourism development enterprise for coffee and other local food products.

 

The regional environment chief also appealed to the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) to support the project by preparing the different guidelines and protocol for the operationalization of the said facilities.

 

Cagayan Valley Regional Tourism Council Chairperson Ruth Padilla and Bayombong Mayor Antonio Sergio Bagasao represented by Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marilyn Juan graced the event. They acknowledged the contributions of the DENR in ecotourism and PA management and committed for continued support toward the development of the national park.

 

Declared as national park by virtue of Republic Act No. 7954 s. 1995, the BHNP is a historic and cultural landmark of Nueva Vizcaya having held in this place the first mass in the province in 1739 which also marks the founding of the municipality of Bayombong.#