Our Trip to Pampanga Bay in Masantol

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of tourism that appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious as well as to nature seekers. Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Sustainable development needs to social, economic and environmental needs all together to occur. (Wikipedia)


Last Friday, I, together with Mike Pangilinan (Kapampangan researcher and former TV Patrol Pampanga news anchor), Sonny Dobles of the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), his son Diego, a member of the RocKapampangan band Asthma, and Bajun Lacap, Vice Mayor of Masantol, went to Masantol to donate some plants.





Then we took a look at the Pampanga Bay, which, if you read my 19 October entry, is a potential ecotourism spot for Pampanga.

Before I've seen Pampanga Bay and its neglected Kabakawan (Mangrove forest; bakawan - mangrove; bako - duck-like birds), I thought Pampanga didn't have anything to offer as regards ecotourism.

Having a friend from Palawan who says Palawan's main offering is its ecotourism, I thought one day: does Pampanga have a natural sanctuary (aside from Mt. Arayat) which can boost Central Luzon's ecotourism?





Seeing the Kabakawan along Pampanga Bay, the place can indeed attract nature-lovers and bird-watchers, and can be developed into a beach for summer outings.






One of these days, we will return to plant more!