With the reopening of the Hebacong Sea of Clouds and Nature Park, the city government of Borongan, Eastern Samar is betting on a lucrative opportunity for eco-tourism in one of Eastern Visayas' most far-flung areas.
The reopening of the park, which was first opened to the public in 2023, signals Borongan City’s push to balance tourism development with environmental protection, while improving access to previously hard-to-reach areas.
“This is not just a place to visit. This is a place to learn, to understand the value of our forests and why we need to protect them,” Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said during the ribbon-cutting ceremonies last April 28.
He added that the project aims to strengthen community responsibility in protecting forest resources, which serve as natural defense against disasters such as typhoons.
Once considered one of the most difficult barangays to access, Hebacong was previously reachable only through an hour-long boat ride via the Suribao River.
With the completion of a 21.7-kilometer access road, travel time has been significantly reduced to 20 to 30 minutes, improving accessibility and opening opportunities for local development.
Cultural significance
Often described as a “sea of clouds,” the phenomenon seen in Hebacong is actually “borong” — the local term for fog — from which Borongan City derives its name.
Funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the project received approximately ₱17 million for the development of key facilities, including a three-level viewing deck, parking area, signages, and a planned coffee shop to enhance visitor experience.
Architect Teodoro Pomida, who designed the view deck, described the structure as “more than a beautiful view, but a symbol of Borongan’s commitment to nature conservation.”
He also noted the transformation of Hebacong from a once-isolated and conflict-affected upland area into a promising eco-tourism destination.
The city government is also exploring partnerships with Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) for environmental monitoring, including the installation of cameras in forest areas to track wildlife as part of its climate change adaptation efforts.
Officially opened last May 1, the Hebacong Sea of Clouds is open to the public from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Agda said entrance to the site is currently free due to the ongoing energy crisis, while rates are yet to be finalized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
(With report from PIA)
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