Bud Tukay Peak eyed as community-based ecotourism zone

COTABATO CITY — In a recently introduced measure, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority seeks to declare the Bud Tukay Peak a community-based ecotourism zone.

Member of Parliament Don Loong, said that if the Bud Tukay in Parang, Sulu is declared as an official community-based ecotourism zone, it could lead to growth and new opportunities for the people who live in the area.

“This would also take advantage of the current efforts by the national government and local government of Sulu to revamp the image of the province from its previous battle-weary reputation,” said MP Loong, main author of the proposed BTA Bill No. 206.

If approved, the Bud Tukay Peak will be prioritized for development by the Ministries of Trade, Investments, and Tourism; Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy; and Public Works.

Under the measure, the Bangsamoro government is mandated to develop and promote community-based ecological tourism in the development of the Bud Tukay Peak and surroundings; ensure the preservation of the environment and conservation of the biodiversity within the Bud Tukay Peak Ecotourism Park; develop ecotourism products and programs that will generate employment and livelihood; and guarantee the financial and economic benefits of the tourism industry are equitably shared and distributed among the local residents in the area.

The bill also proposed establishing the “Bud Tukay Peak Development Council,” a multi-sectoral council with the Municipal Mayor of Parang as Chairperson and MTIT provincial director or representative as co-chair with the following members: MENRE provincial director or representative; Barangay Chairperson of Parang; an academic institution representative; and a representative from the residents of Bud Tukay Peak as the private sector. The Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of Parang will also serve as the secretariat of the council.

The actual area and coverage of the Bud Tukay Peak Ecotourism Zone will be determined by MENRE, in coordination with the local government unit. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)