Mt. Camisong Forest Park Promotes Eco-Sustainability and Community Engagement.
A new prime tourism destination Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events held its soft opening on Monday, January 27, 2025 in Loacan, Itogon. This 10-hectare property, owned and managed by Mt. Camisong Property Management, Inc., balances eco-sustainability with development, preserving 90% of its forested area.
During the opening, Mt. Camisong Chairperson Ludette Querubin shared the park’s vision for sustainable development amidst inevitable urbanization. “We cannot stop development. Sooner or later, urbanity will reach this side of Itogon. How can we protect this forest in a way that would still spur development? How can we participate in that unavoidable path that will allow both our communities and trees to grow?” Querubin emphasized their commitment to eco-sustainability by developing less than one hectare of the property while keeping the rest untouched.
The park features sustainability initiatives, including waste segregation and composting systems, such as using African night crawlers and black soldier flies for vermicomposting. A material recovery facility, water treatment system, and rainwater catchment ensure zero waste and potable water solutions.
Querubin described Mt. Camisong as more than just a park, calling it a “wellness haven, retreat for solace, adventure place, romantic getaway, and a venue for arts and crafts. A fantastic view, to enjoy with your family and friends.”
Visitors can savor local flavors at Marahuyo Café and Alapaap Viewdeck, where dining highlights Cordilleran ingredients. The “Dagitab” Amphitheater provides a venue for performances and events. Guests can also enjoy forest bathing along various trails and in serene gardens. More amenities and activities will be available in the coming years.
Mayor Bernard S. Waclin praised the project, calling it a testament to the collective effort of the Itogon community. “This park is not only a project; it is a vision turned into reality—a place where families can connect, friendships can grow, and nature can be celebrated,” he said, assuring the local government’s full support.
DENR EMB-CAR Regional Director Engr. Jean Borromeo echoed the importance of balancing development and environmental preservation. She shared a question raised during the public consultation, where someone asked, “What’s the assurance that nature won’t be destroyed?” To this, she responded, “Ang binebenta po ng Camisong ay kagandahan ng kapaligiran. Kapag nasira po ‘yan, wala na silang ibebenta.” (Camisong is selling the beauty of the environment. If that is destroyed, they will have nothing left to offer.). Engr. Borromeo also highlighted the employment opportunities to the local community as critical components of the project.
DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovi Ganongan emphasized the Department of Tourism’s principles of sustainable tourism development, stating that Mt. Camisong aligns with their environmental protection goals, cultural sensitivity, and community involvement. “Tourism is not just about recreation; it’s about giving back to the community and preserving our environment and culture,” Ganongan said.
Mt. Camisong President Oliver Samala expressed gratitude to the concerned national line agencies, local government, barangay officials, ancestral domain stakeholders, and the community for their support. “Let this place be filled with laughter, learning, collaboration, a place where ideas are born and futures are shaped,” Samala said, underscoring the park’s goal of becoming a shared space for growth and connection.
Mt. Camisong will officially open its doors to the public on February 1, 2025.
