Tags: Environment, Natural Wonders
By Marjorie Gorospe
(Watch this video of LEAD produced by loQal.ph)
LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE – The Laoag Eco-Adventure (LEAD) Movement plans to continue to search and develop more eco-adventure tourism sites in Ilocos region.
Founded in 2004 by husband and wife Renny and Tina Tan along with Bob Hoover and Eli Leano, the LEAD Movement is a non-profit organization focused on promoting eco-tourism and environmental awareness, including the conservation Ilocos Norte’s natural resources.
The province is already noted for its white sand beaches in Pagudpud and the desert-like sand dunes found in La Paz, but the group believes there is still a lot to discover.
“We never stop discovering places we can share to tourists. Our promotion in a certain place begins by getting there and falling in love with it and then, we come up with plans on how to develop what is already there,” says Tina Tan, a member of LEAD and wife of Renny.
LEAD is currently promoting the town of Adams. (See LOQAL.PH story on Adams here). Tina says Adams’ rich biodiversity and unspoiled beauty can be a major attraction to tourists.
“Adams used to be isolated from the rest of Ilocos Norte as it used to be the nest of rebels. But when we saw its potential, we coordinated with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) as well as the local government so that we know if we are doing the right thing,” she says.
Part of the development plan for Adams is to train local residents on how to interact with tourists so that they can be ready to offer accommodations and act as tourist guides for visitors
But Tina admits that their ideas do not always get a positive response from local government units or LGUs. She notes, however, that due to social networking sites and other media organizations, LEAD is able to convey its message and convince local government officials of their development programs.
Tina, meanwhile, also shares that aside from Adams, LEAD is also finding ways to promote the sand dunes of Ilocos Norte through activities such sand boarding, which is slowly gaining mainstream popularity.
She says LEAD will continue to find new and exciting eco-adventure sites not only for the sake of promotion but for the love of their hometown.
(This story also appears on Yahoo! Philippines here)
Attractions Beaches and Water Activities Churches and place of worship Churches and Places of Worship Environment Festivals and Fiestas Historical Places Hotels and Resorts Indigenous Culture Malls Museums Natural Wonders Parks and Recreations Travel Concerns and Advisories Travel Tales and Tips Vacation Zoos and Animal Sanctuaries
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you’re planning to go to Asia, traveling to the Philippines should be included in your list of destinations.
Philippines offers the best of everything- world class services, astounding natural destinations, countless adventure activities at affordable prices.
And Ilocos is a perfect example of such a destination.