Have you been in a place that allows you to commune with nature unfurling a mat or spreading a towel, hanging a hammock, stretching out or simply staring into the long stretch of the pale green needles of the trees?
 
As La Union has been taking action to revive the earth, another green initiative of the local government of Bauang is the hectare tree park, which is part of the Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park that connects other tree parks in the province.

Nestled at Barangay Parian Oeste in Bauang town is probably one's next destination for a memorable experience.
 
Just about a 10-minute boat ride from the Bakawan Ecopark boardwalk, you’ll reach the heavenly and serene hideout.
 
“Aroo” which came from “Agoho” started as a reforestation project in 2018 by Bauang Fishing Group Consumer Cooperative spearheaded by Ernesto Miranda, Jr., the president. 
 
“Nagstart kami in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it’s already three years. Bale 26,000 seedlings ang itinanim namin sa 12.52 hectare noong una pero karamihan ng nagsurvive is Aroo,” said Miranda. 
 
As a vast mini-forest, the soon-to-be developed tourism spot will be a biodiversity conservation park that will be drawn with various species of trees including umbrella trees, bani trees, and other beach-type trees.
 

A wealth of amazing animals such as native owls, monitor lizards, and other nocturnal animals thrive in the forest.
 
“Ang Aroo (Agoho) kasi ay nagsisilbing panangga namin sa storm surge, hangin, at malalakas na alon kaya’t patuloy po ang aming panawagan na huwag magsunog dito sa napakagandang tanawin na ito,” said Miranda.
 
Once completed, it will be a nice vacation spot for families and friends who want to spend worthwhile time together.
 
It is also a perfect location for those who want thrilling activities such as camping, trekking, forest bathing, picnics, and event celebrations.
 
Aroo Park respects nature so much that it advocates for campers and hitchhikers to respect and not destroy nature.
 
To date, the soon-to-be state-of-the-art camping site will be open for the public either mid-year to the last month of 2024.
 
“Aroo Park here in Bakawan is not yet open and hopefully visitors or tourists who want to be here on the site will negotiate with us para masabi namin ‘yong mga safety measures gaya ng pagbabawal ng pagsusunog,” said Bauang Municipal Tourism Officer Ricardo Navarro.
 
As humans, one needs to go back to nature to recharge and let go of all the stress that they are experiencing from day-to-day activities.
 
Eco-adventure awaits!
 
Mental health is essential so don't hesitate to dive deep into nature and embark on an eco-journey at Aroo Park. (JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)