Potentials of a community-initiated ecotourism project: Experiences of Binonoan Producers Cooperative (BIPCO) in Binonoan, Infanta, Quezon, Philippines

Nico Jayson Anastacio; Gemmalyn Trespalacio; Grizelda Penales-Marza; Roger Magcantara; Hoang Huong; Jerika-Mae Rivero; Leni Camacho

Nico Jayson C. Anastacio Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Grizelda V. Penales-Marza Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Roger Magcantara College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus
Hoang Le Huong Consulting Center of Technological Sciences for Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture
Jerika-Mae C. Rivero Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Leni D. Camacho Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Keywords: cooperative, ecotourism, Infanta, SWOT analysis

Abstract

Ecotourism faces challenges in its implementation despite its potential to contribute to a locality’s environmental, social, and economic welfare. This paper discusses the inherent qualities and concerns in establishing an ecotourism project in Binonoan, Infanta, Quezon, which is managed by the Binonoan Producers Cooperative (BIPCO). The collection of both primary and secondary data was conducted to determine the most related and frequently mentioned concepts in the study of ecotourism. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis was used to assess the potentials of the ecotourism project of BIPCO. Results from the study showed that the main strength of the local ecotourism project is the unique natural attraction that it could offer its visitors. Historical data also revealed that there is an increasing trend of tourist arrivals since 2013, and based on the projection, the community is expected to welcome about 305,994 tourists in 2033, indicating the strong demand for ecotourism. Results also show that while different opportunities are available to strengthen the establishment of the ecotourism project, the internal conflict and participation of the cooperative’s members remain to be the biggest challenge in the management of natural resources. These arise from issues of transparency that limit the public interest in receiving the support system needed to sustain the ecotourism project in the area. Thus, results of the study can serve as bases for improvement in the management of a community-initiated project in Binonoan.