In a memorandum of agreement signed Feb. 18, the parties agreed to manage existing and pre-identified ecotourism sites in the Philippines and promote specific ecotourism sites.

Among the signatories were DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr., DoT Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and Bantay Kalikasan Managing Director Regina Paz L. Lopez, and Conservation International Director for Spatial Analysis and Information Systems Unit Dr. Oliver Coroza.

"The ecotourism appeal of the Philippines is varied and unlimited. This is where we can excel, and naturally the influx of tourists both foreign and local to these spots will generate economic gains not only for people and their community but the whole country," said Atienza.

Pilot ecotourism project sites, which are mostly protected areas endowed with rich biodiversity, scenic attractions and high ecotourism potential have been identified under the agreement.

These sites include the Verde Island Marine Passage Corridor in Batangas (center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity’); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (underground river); Donsol, Sorsogon (whale shark watching); El Nido, Palawan (marine protected area and limestone karst); Tubbataha National Marine Park (coral reef); Banawe Rice Terraces, Ifugao; Mayon Volcano, Albay; Pamilacan, Bohol; Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan; Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga; Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.