By Tracy Cabrera
ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — Deep within the Sierra Madre mountain range in Isabela lies Fuyot Springs National Park (FSNP), a protected sanctuary that has become a model for balancing environmental conservation with ecotourism development.
Among the park’s prized wildlife species is the hornbill, one of the Philippines’ most distinctive and valuable native birds. Known for their rarity and specialized care requirements, hornbills are considered among the most expensive exotic birds in the world. Legally bred hornbills are difficult to acquire, while illegally traded species can reportedly fetch prices exceeding ₱30,000.
Visitors hoping to catch sight of the elusive bird may find refuge for the species at FSNP, an 819-hectare protected area in Barangay Santa Victoria, Ilagan City, about 405 kilometers northeast of Manila. The park is known for its caves, waterfalls and the Ilagan Sanctuary, attracting both nature enthusiasts and researchers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), has continued to strengthen conservation efforts while ensuring tourism activities remain environmentally sustainable.
Part of these initiatives includes a newly approved research study aimed at assessing tree health and identifying possible hazards inside the park. Officials said the project seeks to establish Tree Risk Management Zones to improve visitor safety and park management.
DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Ismael Manaligod said the study would help preserve the park as a safe destination for tourists without compromising its natural resources.
“We want to make sure that tourism development does not sacrifice nature,” Manaligod said.
Meanwhile, a Fauna Identification Training conducted at FSNP recently documented two important bird species — the tarictic hornbill and the white-browed shama. The species are classified as endangered and vulnerable, respectively. The activity involved 25 participants from Protected Area Management Offices covering 14 protected areas across the Cagayan Valley region.
The Ilagan City government has also proposed the construction of a hostel, administrative building and pasalubong center inside the Ilagan Sanctuary to improve visitor services and create additional livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The proposed ₱49.5-million tourism project is currently under review by the PAMB Technical Working Committee and the DENR to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Despite ongoing tourism plans, park officials said FSNP continues to prioritize biodiversity monitoring, forest patrol operations and environmental awareness campaigns to preserve the area’s ecological integrity for future generations.
ia/xf
