Pagudpud resort vows to create new order for sustainable tourism

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The largest resort in this town vows to lead the way in ensuring clean and sustainable tourism.

“It’s a lesson learned to all of us in the tourism industry. We need to create a new order for tourism. One that is environment-friendly and sustainable in the years to come,” said retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco, proprietor of a Pagudpud resort.

To strengthen its eco-tourism advocacy, the resort is on the forefront of organizing world-class beauty pageants which primarily aims to develop men and women who make it to their mission to help others change their habits for the good of the planet.

Referring to the temporary closure of Boracay island as a sad event in the country’s tourism industry, Mr. Nolasco said all other tourism stakeholders need to develop and strengthen it without disregarding the environment.

“Generally, it is sad note for Philippine tourism, baka isipin nila lahat ng beaches dito sa atin ay ganon. It’s a lesson learned to all of us. I hope that within 6 months, it will be back to normal and the glory of Boracay will be restored,” he added.

Since the closure of Boracay, tourists have flocked to northern Luzon beaches including beaches here daily. Travel tours, van rentals and other resorts and homestays here reported they are all fully-booked this summer.

“Nagulat nga kami kasi we are receiving a thousand guests every day. All the more that we should support the ideals of our president and advocate for sustainable tourism,” he pointed out.

To strengthen the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism, the seven-year old resort hosted 20 male and 20 female candidates on Saturday evening for the conduct of Mr. and Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines, rebranding its regular hosting of local pageants that has now turned global.

“This is one of our ways to promote an icon of beauty and purpose. By having a voice to create a new order of a sustainable tourist destination in Pagudpud,” he said.

Undersecretary of Tourism Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine de Castro of the Department of Tourism, Philippine fashion designer Renee Salud, Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, master shoe man Jojo Bragais along with other regional and local officials who served as part of the board of judges attended the preliminary event which featured costume and swimwear competition.

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