Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero led the reopening and inauguration of the Bulusan Eco-tourism Center and Facilities in the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park after two years of massive rehabilitation.
The move aims to welcome more local and foreign visitors with the easing of travel restrictions around the country due to a decline in COVID-19 cases.
“We made our park facilities world class to encourage more tourists to come to our province. This will benefit not just the province of Sorsogon but the municipality of Bulusan as well,” Escudero said during the reopening rites over the weekend.
The natural park is also home to the Bulusan Eco-Adventours, which was launched coinciding with the blessing and inauguration of the tourism center.
It also hosts new amenities such as an al fresco coffee shop and restaurant, a massage spa and a souvenir shop.
Recreational activities such as eco-tours, trekking, kayaking, stand up paddling, boating and fishing are now also open to visitors.
Other attractions in Bulusan Volcano National Park, a protected area, are up for restoration and improvement, Escudero said.
These include the 18th century bell tower of St. James The Great Church which will be restored in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Aside from the physical improvement of tourism sites, Escudero said there is a need to immortalize the beautiful stories and history behind the landmarks and destinations in Sorsogon for better appreciation of Sorsoganons and visitors alike.
“History is part of tourism, and visitors should know the narratives and stories in tourist areas such as what we have here in Bulusan,” Escudero said.
He commended the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), the local government unit and government agencies involved in the beautification of the Bulusan park, which was carried out at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Department of Public Works and Highways–Region V has also undertaken the construction of the arrival and departure shed, a ramp, food bar and upper view deck at a cost of P30 million.
Sorsogon PTO chief Bobby Gigantone said the town of Bulusan hopes to attract even a fraction of its pre-pandemic tourist arrivals as the country transitions to the new normal phase. In 2019, Bulusan received 141,000 visitors, mostly locals.
“After two years of being shut down and undergoing massive rehabilitation, this ecological escapade is ready to say hello to tourists again,” Gigantone said.
“Thank you to Governor Escudero and Bulusan Mayor Mike Guysayko for their commitment and for supporting our tourism campaign. In time, Sorsogon’s tourism industry will be able to recover,” he added.