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Sustainability of a local government-instituted ecotourism development: Tayak adventure, nature and wildlife Park in Rizal, Laguna, Philippines

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Abstract

Ecotourism development is a strategy of the Philippine Government. The existence of untapped natural resources and cultural/heritage assets has impeded the expansion of ecotourism. This situation is exacerbated by the literary deficit where a specific aspect has mainly been overlooked—the maintainability of small/medium-scale enterprises once already put in place. Against this backdrop, the study explores and understands the sustainability of TANAW Park's Ecotourism Enterprise of Rizal Municipality. Using a case study design, the article delineates the circumstances to fathom out the local ecotourism development. Firstly, the leadership is the top-down driven in the initiative, but in maintaining, the bottom-up manner is more significant. Secondly, the financial issue is complicated, so ideal is continuing the government agencies and integrating the commercial businesses. Thirdly, the Holy Week events are a single-month focal point, thus regularly extending the supplementary activities can increase revenue. Fourthly, TANAW Park is strategical if connected to the critical neighbouring towns and nearby resources. Lastly, TANAW Park's strengths lie in the presence of the unusual intermixing of assets, and the weaknesses are the risks of becoming a "white elephant project." In whole, TANAW Park is a noteworthy and tangible contribution to the local government and the people of Rizal.

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  1. *Exchange rate (2020): 1 PHP = 0.0206009 USD.

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  1. Institute for Governance and Rural Development, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Ban͂os, Laguna, Philippines

    Bing Baltazar C. Brillo

  2. College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

    Aileen C. Simondac-Peria

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  1. Bing Baltazar C. Brillo
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Brillo, B.B.C., Simondac-Peria, A.C. Sustainability of a local government-instituted ecotourism development: Tayak adventure, nature and wildlife Park in Rizal, Laguna, Philippines. Environ Dev Sustain 23, 16145–16162 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01336-w

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