ISABELA — The City of Ilagan’s proposed Abuan River Glamping and Eco-Adventure Park earned national recognition after placing first runner-up in the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Tourism Investment Project Pitching, highlighting the city’s growing readiness for sustainable tourism investment.
Maria Cristina R. Simon, City of Ilagan tourism officer, said the pitching activity is a nationwide TIEZA initiative aimed at identifying high-potential, investor-ready tourism projects that support the country’s sustainable and inclusive tourism agenda. Out of 17 proposals from 13 regions, only five projects from select local government units and Tourism Enterprise Zones were chosen for distinction.
As an awardee, the Abuan River project will be included in the UN Tourism Investment Portfolio, giving the city global exposure and access to international investors, development partners, and financing institutions, Simon added.
The project was presented during the final investment bootcamp by Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Romeo Caranguian before a panel of investors and industry leaders from Filinvest, the Private Sector Advisory Council, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Leechiu Property Consultants, and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association.
The Abuan River Glamping and Eco-Adventure Park is designed as a nature-based, sustainability-driven destination, integrating eco-adventure activities, environmental conservation, and community-based tourism along the Abuan River. The initiative aligns with national priorities promoting responsible tourism while generating livelihood and investment opportunities for local communities.
Simon credited the project’s strong showing to extensive capacity-building and investment-readiness training through a series of preparatory bootcamps.
The recognition underscores Ilagan City’s emergence as a competitive tourism investment destination in Northern Luzon, highlighting its commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and globally attractive tourism projects.
The presentation was attended by Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano, Assistant Regional Director Lelia Blancaflor, Simon, and City Economic and Development Officer Atty. Danver Arzaga, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to tourism development. (PIA)
