The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park sits atop a mountain and is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the province. Spanning 8,000 hectares, the park is shared by three towns, namely: San Jose, Sibulan, and Valencia. It was established in 2000 under Presidential Proclamation No. 414. (Photo from Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park FB page)
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- The first protected area in the country to have a free wireless internet access was recently launched at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in the town of Sibulan in Negros Oriental.
The free WiFi connectivity inside the protected park was implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in cooperation with the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
The free WiFi inside the park aims to boost the tourist activity in the area.
It also aims to augment the income of the 50 households under the Twin Lakes Farmers’ Association (BTLFA) and their emergency response capabilities.
“Kini na teknolihiya importante kaayo dili lang para sa mga tourists, para sab sa katawhan diri maka responde dayon pag dunay katalagmang mahitabo ug mapakita sa bisita ang among lugar. (This technology is very essential not only for the tourists but to the community for any disaster or emergency response and promote the experience of tourists’ enjoying the tourism site),” said Rico Mier, president of the BTLFA, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
BTLFA is composed of over 200 individuals from the 50 families who are providing food and recreational services inside the park, such as boating and tour guiding for visitors.
Present during the switch-on and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Free WiFi connectivity at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park include EDC Corporate Relations Officer Myrissa Tabao (2nd from left), PENRO Viernov Grefalde (3rd from left), and NOCCI President Edward Du (4th from left). PIA Negros Oriental/NOCCI photo)
Boost for PAMB
Du said the free internet connection is also a big boost to DENR’s Protected Area Management Board-Protected Area Management Office (PAMB-PAMO), especially on real-time reporting and posting of updates and announcements to attract more tourists.
“NOCCI provides technical support with the installation of the wifi through a commercial satellite provider, but the maintenance payment for monthly subscription will be from the Protected Area Management Board of DENR,” Du added.
NOCCI has helped set up free Wi-Fi in at least 42 remote schools and barangay halls in the province. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
