The Second Central Luzon Sustainability Tourism Summit held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), organized by the Department of Tourism – Central Luzon and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), successfully brought together key figures, think tanks, and stakeholders in the region. The goal was simple but vital: to shape a sustainable future for tourism in Central Luzon region.
A Welcome to Sustainability
The summit opened with a powerful message from SBMA Board Director Raul F. Marcelo, who emphasized how Central Luzon’s tourism sectors are actively embracing sustainable practices. From eco-friendly accommodations to community-based initiatives, the region is becoming a model for valuing local culture and conserving its natural resources.
Great Responsibility in Tourism
Dr. Richard G. Daenos, the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism in Central Luzon, followed with a keynote that struck a chord with all attendees. “Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility,” he stressed, underscoring how the tourism industry, in its pursuit of growth, carries a crucial obligation to the environment. His message was a reminder that the balance between tourism and conservation is not just a challenge but also an opportunity to do right by future generations.
SBMA’s Race to Carbon Neutrality
One of the most compelling talks came from Ms. Amethya Dela Llana of the SBMA Regulatory Group / Ecology Center, who officially launched the “SBMA Race to Carbon Neutrality.” She presented the ambitious challenge of achieving a carbon-neutral status within the SBMA industrial zone. As a significant energy consumer, SBMA aims to pioneer this initiative, making carbon neutrality a way of life. The ultimate vision is to extend these policies nationally, positioning SBMA as a testbed for implementing widespread carbon reduction strategies. “Let’s make this a way of life,” Dela Llana urged the audience, calling for a collective commitment.
Carbon-Neutral Tourism Enterprises
Dr. John Paolo R. Rivera, a leading academic in sustainable tourism, continued this dialogue by discussing strategies for carbon-neutral tourism enterprises. He described carbon neutrality as the absence of additional carbon emissions, and emphasized the need for a shared understanding of sustainability within the tourism industry. Rivera urged the audience to rethink their policies, use creativity to solve sustainability challenges, and plan for the long-term success of eco-friendly tourism.
Cultural Preservation: A Pillar of Sustainability
Cultural heritage took center stage with Arch. Jayson Portem, a member of the NCCA Committee on Monuments and Sites, as he emphasized that cultural preservation is essential to sustainable tourism. “Our national treasures must be protected,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of cultural mapping. By safeguarding the historical and cultural landmarks of the region, tourism can continue to thrive without losing sight of its roots.
A Surfing Community with a Cause
One of the most heartwarming moments came from Donn Lawrence Quintos, the owner of the Alon and Araw Club. Through a touching video, the audience witnessed how the club has transformed the lives of young surfers by teaching them the value of environmental preservation and community engagement. Quintos’ win-win approach for the environment encourages children to engage in beach clean-ups in exchange for essential goods, promoting responsibility and environmental stewardship from an early age. His impassioned statement, “You do something privileged, you do something positive,” resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a call to action for all tourism enterprises.
Electric Cars and Net Zero Technology
Mr. Joel Z. Sapul, President of SysNet Integrators Inc., shared his vision of a future where more Filipino households own electric cars, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He presented the practicality of these vehicles, noting that they only need to be charged twice a month for a 20-kilometer daily commute. His dreams tie directly into the broader mission of reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.
Similarly, Allan V. Barcena of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance discussed how technology plays a crucial role in achieving net-zero tourism destinations. He highlighted best practices that tourism enterprises could adopt to lower their carbon footprint, driving home the importance of integrating advanced technology into sustainable tourism.
Ecotour Experience at Adventure Cove
One of the highlights of the 2nd Central Luzon Sustainability Tourism Summit was the selection of eco-summit tours, offering participants a hands-on experience of the region’s natural wonders. I personally opted for the Adventure Cove tour, which featured jungle survival lessons complete with live demonstrations. We were guided through a short but enriching hiking tour, where we learned about the existing natural flora along the trail, culminating in the mangrove forest. As a special treat, ten participants, myself included, were given the chance to kayak around the cove. We received a brief lesson on proper paddling techniques, which helped us confidently and effectively navigate the waters, enhancing the immersive experience. This adventure offered a deeper connection to the environment and emphasized the importance of preserving our natural habitats.
A Closing Call for Sustainability
The summit concluded with a message from Atty. Von F. Rodriguez, Chief of Staff of SBMA, who reminded the audience of the long road ahead in making Central Luzon a beacon of sustainable tourism. His speech closed a dynamic and inspirational two-day event that left participants with not only practical solutions but also a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Parting Thoughts: A Commitment to the Future
As we left the summit, the overarching message was clear: the journey to a sustainable tourism future begins now. Each of us, from large organizations to individual travelers, has a role in protecting the environment. SBMA’s vision for carbon neutrality and the passionate commitment of the local community remind us that we all have a stake in this collective effort.
Special thanks to SBMA Tourism for inviting us to experience the Second Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit, and may we all carry forward the lessons learned as we work together toward a sustainable future for Central Luzon’s tourism.
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Sir Dante Salvaña and Ms. Jia Ladao of SBMA for the warm hospitality and utmost care during the two-day summit.