78 eco-tourism sites off-limits to mining under Aquino EO

This photo taken on March 26, 2006, shows workers walking through a mine tunnel in Itogon north of Manila. The Philippines said on Monday July 9, 2012, released an executive order declaring 78 eco-tourism sites s off-limits to mining. AFP PHOTO/JOEL NITO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DoT) has identified the 78 eco-tourism sites that has been declared as off-limits to mining under President Aquino’s newly released executive order.

The list of “tourism development areas” (TDAs) was based on the department’s National Tourism Development Plan, which has been submitted to President Aquino.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was furnished a copy of the list, according to Evelyn Macayayong, DoT marketing communication officer.

“As you can see, some are as big as regions, provinces or as detailed as coastal areas, lakes or islands,” noted Macayayong. “The forthcoming IRR should be able to provide clear-cut criteria in identifying the specific sites or else it’s the entire country that’s mining-free.”

List of Cluster Destinations and Tourism Development Areas