Lake Danao, one of Ormoc City's top tourist destinations, is once again open for local tourists a year after it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The LDNP is famed for its 148-hectare guitar-shaped lake, cool atmosphere, rich wildlife, and lush mountain ranges
ORMOC CITY- IN an apparent move to spur economic activities, local officials have decided to open to the public and tourists Lake Danao Natural Park (LDNP) even as this city continues to grapple with fluctuating Covid-19 cases.
DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Tirso P. Parian, Jr., said that LDNP is now accepting tourists and visitors up to 75 per day, or 50% of the protected area’s carrying capacity of 150 visitors daily.
The LDNP is famed for its 148-hectare guitar-shaped lake, cool atmosphere, rich wildlife, and lush mountain ranges.
It is one of Eastern Visayas’ seven protected areas legislated under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018.
According to Parian, the LDNP reopens with new developments even as more plans, programs, and projects are to be implemented in partnership with the community and the local government unit before it fully reopens.
The lake is offering amenities for overnight stay, small meetings and functions, photo shoots, nature appreciation, and activities such as kayaking and boating.
A floating cottage which can accommodate up to 40 persons is also available for visitors.
Parian informed reporters that LDNP collects P50 as entrance fee per visitor and those coming in to the park are required to present their Ormoc City QR codes and follow minimum health protocols.
Barangay Danao Chairman Richard Impas told reporters that the community and the people’s organizations within LDNP celebrated the reopening of the ecotourism site.
Residents are hoping that they will be able to revive the livelihood activities they once depended upon to support their daily needs.
“Many have lost their sources of income when LDNP was closed due to COVID-19. We are very happy that we will be able to earn income and restart our livelihood, even partially and under strict health protocols,” Impas said.
(RC)
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