DOT, TIEZA, Victorias City seal eco-park deal

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the City Government of Victorias have formalized a tripartite partnership for the development of Gawahon Eco-Park, a recognized project under the national Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC).

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on Wednesday, June 11, sets into motion the infrastructure implementation of “Gawahon, a Birder’s Paradise: Haven for Sustainable and Inclusive Eco-Tourism.” The project ranked 4th in the TCC Visayas cluster and is envisioned to enhance eco-tourism in the city while promoting environmental protection and community development.

Under the agreement, the DOT will provide strategic oversight, TIEZA will finance and manage the infrastructure development, and the Victorias LGU will take charge of implementation, permitting, and long-term sustainability efforts.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the importance of synergy between national and local governments in building sustainable tourism assets. “Gawahon: A Birder’s Paradise is proof that when national vision aligns with local determination, we can build something truly meaningful and lasting,” she said. “This project stands firmly on the foundation laid down by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has placed tourism at the heart of our nation’s development.”

Frasco signed the MOA alongside Victorias City Mayor and Representative-elect Javier Miguel Benitez and TIEZA Assistant COO Jethro Nicolas Lozada. The ceremony was witnessed by Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Chery Decena and DOT Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.

As the project moves forward, the partnership hopes to transform Gawahon into a premier destination for nature lovers, particularly birdwatchers, while fostering sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.