Biliran to be Mountaineering Haven in Region 8

Positioning Biliran as a mountaineering destination in Region 8, with advocacy on sustainable tourism activities that protects the environment and mainstreams awareness and education among guests/mountaineers.  

DOT8 RD Karen Tiopes visited the 1st 7-day  (June 16-22) Mountaineering Guides Training at Bethany Hills in Almeria, Biliran. With Governor Gerard Espina, the DOT is co-sponsoring the training which aims to capacitate home-grown mountaineering groups to undertake safe and worthwhile tours along existing trails in the island’s mountains – Panamo, Tres Marias, Suiro and Ulango. Gov. Roger Espina is looking forward to position Biliran as a hiking destination while protecting and preserving the environment. Seven local hiking groups comprising about 30 members have organized to become the pioneers of safe and enjoyable mountaineering activities in Biliran.

Hon. Gina Maria Enage, Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan represented Biliran Governor Hon. Gerard Roger Espina during the opening day of the 2nd 5-day training in the series, August 29-September 2 for the Biliran Adventure Guides Organizational Development Workshop. She talked of passion, economic benefits and being tourism ambassadors among the mountain hiking guides of Biliran. 

The 3rd in the series of activities was the Site Assessment for Mt. Panamao, Tres Marias Mountain Range, Mt. Suiro ang the Kapatagan Valley. Cost-shared between DOT8 which commissioned the technical experts and the provincial government for logistics, 4 teams were organized which documented the mountaineering trails from October 19 to 22. The technical team submitted recommendations for future development for a sustainable mountaineering activity in the island province.

The final activity intended for a systematic mountaineering activity is Biliran is the Tour Packaging Training conducted last December 16-18. Based on their actual experiences as local guides and with the expertise of DOT, the local association members were taught to develop tour packages that is both practical and enjoyable. 

  The Governor is bent on institutionalizing the event as part of its drive to promote local talents and artistry and preserve local cultural traditions.220