BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Bangan Hill Natural Park (BHNP) and Dupax Watershed Forest Reserve (DWFR) recently completed various additional amenities and facilities for the province’s ecotourism sites and Protected Areas (PAs).

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan said that the two eco-tourism sites and PAs in Dupax del Sur and Bayombong towns now have improved access roads, parking spaces, gates, guardhouse, water systems, and riprap landscapes.

She added that the view deck and kiosk at the BHNP were also improved, while the overflow bridges and step ladders in the DWFR were also reconstructed.

"These improved facilities will help the protected areas attract more tourists, bringing both ecological and economic benefits to the communities within and near the PAs," Bambalan said.

The ecotourism sites and PAs are expected to become model areas to instill the importance of preservation and conservation of the environment among tourists.

"We need to inform [tourists] of the importance of our natural resources so we can encourage them to conserve our environment as well," Bambalan said. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)