BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bangan Hill National Park (BHNP) in this town was recently re-opened to the public, drawing more support projects from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) as an eco-tourism attraction.

DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan said the BHNP underwent rehabilitation and improvement during the Pandemic, particularly the access road going to its peak, among others.

“We have allocated less than a million pesos for the other development of this park and the implementation will start nest year,” she said during the formal opening and blessing of the BHNP attended by DENR and Bayombong LGU officials and employees and members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

Bambalan said the P.5 million Coffee Shop and P150 million worth of three bedroom Hostel and Pantry will be constructed to cater for local and foreign tourists during their visit and stay at the BHNP.

She urged the LGU of Bayombong for collaborative and partnership efforts to fully develop the BHNP as an eco-tourism attraction not only in Bayombong town but for the whole province of Nueva Vizcaya as well.

Mayor Tony Sergio Bagasao said the LGU is ready to support the improvements and development of the BHNP considering its historical value and eco-tourism potentials.

“We will add more funds in our Local Expenditure Program (LEP) for the development of other attractions within the BHNP. This is an important eco-tourism show window to inculcate in the minds of our youth the value of nurturing and protecting the environment and their important role and participation for its protection and preservation for our next generations,” he said.

Bagasao said the BHNP has a potential to become a Paragliding Attraction similar to the Paragliding Adventure in Ambaguio town which is now frequented by local and foreign tourists.

“We have learned that there is a time in every year that the wind flow at the BHNP is suitable for Paraglidng Sport and with this, the LGU will be in full support to any initiative leading to this development and attraction within the BHNP,” he said. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)