Photo By: San Marcelino Public Information Center
SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — In a bid to strengthen its eco-tourism development efforts, the Municipal Tourism Office of San Marcelino conducted a benchmarking activity in Botolan on April 22–23, 2026, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and effective destination management.
The San Marcelino delegation was led by Tourism Designate Reia G. Pabelonia and Sangguniang Bayan Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism Louella Aquino. They were welcomed by Botolan Tourism Officer Gennessy Villar and Tourism Committee Chairperson Angel Diesta, who facilitated discussions and site visits highlighting the municipality’s established eco-tourism systems.
Photo By: San Marcelino Public Information Center
The activity centered on learning best practices in key areas such as visitor management, safety protocols, environmental protection, stakeholder coordination, and tourism promotion. Through technical exchanges and field visits, both local government units shared insights on improving tourism operations and governance.
A key highlight of the visit was Botolan’s management of the Mount Pinatubo Trail, which served as a model for sustainable tourism development. The experience provided valuable lessons for San Marcelino as it seeks to enhance its own destinations, including Mapanuepe Lake and the scenic “New Zealand of Zambales.”
The benchmarking activity was supported by the Local Government Unit of San Marcelino under the leadership of Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria, reinforcing the town’s commitment to evidence-based planning and stronger collaboration with neighboring municipalities.
Committee on Tourism Louella Aquino said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to build a more sustainable, well-managed, and community-centered tourism sector—one that not only promotes local destinations but also ensures environmental protection and long-term economic benefits for residents. (San Marcelino Public Information Center)