Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez touted Bohol as the next possible model for ecotourism in the Philippines.

In her Bohol visit on Wednesday, Lopez acknowledged the province’s potential in excelling in the industry and cited several areas as viable locations which can be turned into ecotourism destinations.

Lopez likened the potential of several spots in Bohol to those of Palawan such as the Ugong Rock and Iwahig River which raked in millions of pesos in profits when she was still in the private sector.

The secretary said that she wants the projects to be community-based so residents may benefit from the ecotourism destinations and not only large businesses.

According to Lopez, a chunk of the DENR’s fund for its National Greening Program which has P8 billion can be funneled to projects that would benefit Bohol.

Lopez’s trip to Bohol has also led to planned coordination between the secretary and the provincial government in efforts to develop the province as a top ecotourism destination.

The DENR secretary was in Bohol to deliver the keynote address during the culmination of the women’s month celebration in Bohol at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Lopez also joined the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting at the People’s Mansion and visited the mangrove boardwalk in Maribojoc which is set to be promoted as one of the town’s main attractions. (Rey Tutas)