BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will be opening the  Bangan Hill National Park (BHNP) here next month to the public to  promote ecological tourism in Protected Areas (PAs).

The BHNP is a protected area located in this town which covers an area of 12.777 hectares and was declared a national park by virtue of Republic Act No. 7954 series of  1995.

Aside from the majestic scenery overlooking the capital town of Bayombong, the park will also establish a coffee shop serving locally manufactured coffee and native rice cakes.

Memorabilia and woodcraft production are also potential livelihood projects being considered by the PAMB for the BHNP People’s Organization.

DENR REgional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan  said the park opening is a sustainable development approach for greater economic livelihood opportunities and preservation of natural habitat and resources.

“The Board is directing for the improvement of Bangan Hill being a PA show window that features the verdant forest and mountainous landscape of Nueva Vizcaya province,” she said.

She however reminded visitors  to be responsible ecotourists when inside the PAs to preserve the natural environment and biological diversity present within the national parks.

Earlier in March this year, the DENR inaugurated the rehabilitation and improvement of ecotourism facilities in the said park funded by the Biodiversity Management Bureau which was  accomplished during the pandemic.

Bambalan said there are 14 PAs in Cagayan Valley where seven of these have been opened for public such as the  Dupax Watershed Forest Reserve, Fuyot Spring National Park, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Quirino Protected Landscape, Tumauini Watershed Natural Park, Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, and the Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes.(BME/PIA NVizcaya)