Mt. Gulugod Baboy Tour Plan Proposal

INTRODUCTION

Tourism is an important industry that depends on culture and

science. It is an activity done by an individual or a group of

individuals travelling from one place to another. From a country to

another for performing a specific task or it is a visit to a place or

several places in the purpose of entertaining which leads to an

awareness of other civilizations and cultures, also increasing the

knowledge of countries, cultures, and history. Tourism has a direct

impact on the national revenue for all touristic countries, it creates

work opportunities, industries, and several investments to serve and

raise nations performance and cultures, also distributes their

history, civilization, and traditions.

Tourism is one of many activities in a community or region that

requires planning and coordination. Planning is the process of

identifying objectives and defining and evaluating methods of

achieving them. By comprehensive planning we mean planning which

considers all of the tourism resources, organizations, markets,

and programs within a region. Comprehensive planning also considers

economic, environmental, social, and institutional aspects of tourism

development.

Tourism planning has evolved from two related but distinct sets

of planning philosophies and methods. On the one hand, tourism is one

of many activities in an area that must be considered as part of

physical, environmental, social, and economic planning. Therefore, it

is common to find tourism addressed, at least partially, in a regional

land use, transportation, recreation, economic development, or

comprehensive plan. Second, tourism may also be viewed as a business

in which a community or region chooses to engage. Individual tourism

businesses conduct a variety of planning activities including

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feasibility, marketing, product development, promotion, forecasting,

and strategic planning.

A comprehensive approach integrates a strategic marketing plan

with more traditional public planning activities. This ensures a

balance between serving the needs and wants of the tourists versus the

needs and wants of local residents. A formal tourism plan provides a

vehicle for the various interests within a community to coordinate

their activities and work toward common goals. It also is a means of

coordinating tourism with other community activities.

Purpose of the tourism planning and development is to recognize

existing needs, challenges and conditions of the City while planning

for future tourism needs and opportunities. This strategy is a guide

for the City and its citizens, business leaders, administrators,

boards, and elected officials. This plan is intended as a first step

to assist in day-to-day decisions made on issues concerning tourism

development and future growth of the City of Metropolis. In general,

the purpose of the Tourism planning development is to provide the City

with a document identifying planning, financing, management techniques

and implementation alternatives. These initiatives will promote the

optimum use of the areas’ natural and manmade assets and assure the

best possible results for all Metropolis’ citizens and visitors and

will provide the guidelines to assist the future development of

Metropolis as a leisure-time destination.

At present, Batangas is making itself a landmark of tourism. One

of these so called “tourism landmarks” is the town of Mabini. Three

hours away or around 170 kilometers south of Manila is the coastal

town of Mabini, Batangas, home to Anilao which is regarded as the

birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines. This town boasts of

teeming marine biodiversity, with the abundance of corals and dense

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underwater life, making it popular not only in the Philippines but

throughout the world. Many local and foreign divers visit the world

class diving spots in Anilao.

The diving in Anilao may come as a surprise as years back these

reefs gained a reputation for being wrecked by poor fishing practices.

In particular, dynamiting, collection of corals and shells and over

fishing are just some of the challenges that Anilao and Batangas must

face. As well as the privatization of the resorts located in the area

where in most are owned by foreigners that of which do not benefit the

community.

In order to address to these problems, a community based plan is

formulated in order provide more employment opportunities that pays

above the minimum wage as well as support sustainable tourism in the

area. In doing so, there is a need for community involvement by

organizing a recreational facilities and services and develop a new

attraction to the famous mountain of Gulugod Baboy to make it more

unique to other sources of tourism income like scuba diving, resorts

and restaurants. To make this achievable we will coordinate to

different government organizations such as the DOT, DENR, DPWH, TIEZA

and other public sectors. We also recognize the idea to loan in the

World bank, IMF and Bank of America as the source of funding to make

this proposal possible.

REVIEW OF RELEVANT STUDIES

As stated by Ms. Donna Manongsong, Batangas is a renowned

province in the south. Nowadays, Batangas is making itself a landmark

of tourism. One of these is the so called “tourism landmarks” is the

town of Mabini. Two and a half hour drive from Manila to the

municipality of Mabini, this town is certainly the cradle of

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astonishing marine life. It is already a well-known tourist

destination but somehow still lacks some factors in order to compete

with the other tourist destinations in the Philippines.

(www.wowbatangas.com, 2009)

According to the Adventure Studies Department of Thompson Rivers

University, Adventure Tourism may be defined as a leisure activity

that takes place in an unusual, exotic, remote, or wilderness

destination and tends to be associated with high levels of involvement

and activity by the participants, most of it outdoors. Adventure

travelers are explorers of both an outer world, especially the

unspoiled, exotic parts of our planet and an inner world of personal

challenge, self-perception and self-mastery. (www.tru.ca, 2013)

Most of the past and present adventure tourism businesses have

been started by these "lifestyle" operators, and we are just now

seeing tourism development investors beginning to actively seek out

viable operations within adventure travel tourism. This trend will in

turn create new issues to address in the integration of operator and

investor.

The focus of this study will be on of the types of adventure

tourism which is mountaineering. It is a long established adventure

sport predicated on physical activity, challenge, and risk-taking.

According to Paul Beediea and Simon Hudsonb mountains are attractive

tourism destinations that’s why trekking and mountain has become

famous excursion. It has been, hitherto, the preservation of an

experienced hiker whose approach is epitomized by self-reliance and

independent operation in such destinations. The social boundaries

separating mountaineers from tourists are becoming obscure. Adventure

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tourism has accelerated a discernible move towards the commoditization

of mountains. (Emergence of Mountain-Based Adventure Tourism, 2003)

As discussed by Gill Pomfret, mountaineering has emerged as a

popular form of adventure tourism, yet there is scant research that

develops an understanding of its participants. In this framework a

number of influences encourage participation. These components combine

to influence people's perception of adventure. During participation,

mountaineer adventure tourists experience contrasting emotions, a core

element of adventure. They can also experience flow and peak

experience. How tourists experience mountaineering, and the emotional

states encountered throughout this activity, result from the combined

influences that originally encouraged them to participate. The

framework differs from previous studies on mountaineering in that it

recognizes the inter-relatedness of the influences on mountaineering

participation, acknowledges the convergence of tourism and recreation

in an adventure setting, and emphasizes the importance of

investigating mountaineers during their actual participation.

(Mountaineering Adventure Tourists: A Conceptual Framework for

Research, 2006)

Having the paper focused on mountaineering, it plans to develop

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy as it is one of the booming tourist destinations in

Mabini. The knowledge of its existence came about through weekenders

and seasonal hikers opt to climb in this mountain for its challenging

trek. Gulugod-Baboy means “pig’s spine” because of the contours of the

hills. “Gulod”, however, means hill; “pig’s hill” can also depict the

pastoral scene of the mountain. An encounter with cows, goats, and in

the past, pigs, when one treks through the mountain. It has a

spectacular 360 degree view of Anilao, Batangas Pier, Maricaban

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Island, Mt. Maculot, even Mindoro, Mt. Lobo and Mt. Manabo. Although

Mabini is famous for the diving resorts of Anilao as it is the

birthplace of Philippine scuba diving. Dive enthusiasts began

exploring the hills, and soon, Gulugod Baboy became a hiking

destination, although today it remains a popular sidetrip to a diving

escapade to Anilao, or to the nearby Sombrero or Maricaban islands.

A similar attraction to Mt. Gulugod-Baboy is the Lignon Hills in

Legazpi City, Bicol. It has now been developed tourist attraction and

considered as one of Legazpi’s famous land marks. According to Travels

Philippines blog, Ligñon Hill was known only for the PHIVOLCS

observatory located in its flanks and an old lighthouse on its summit.

Today, it has become one of the city’s prime destinations for

sightseers, adventurers and even fitness buffs. The new Ligñon Hill

Natural Park promises to be the city’s best destination offering

sights and activities for all types of visitors.

It also has a panoramic 360 degree view of Legazpi City, Daraga,

Albay Gulf and the Mayon Volcano awaits at the view deck. A landscaped

promenade as well as restaurants and shops also cater to guests. Aside

from the spectacular sights, Ligñon Hill Nature Park also offers fun

filled and thrilling activities. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of

exciting activities including a 320-meter zip line where the

adventurous can soar through the air harnessed to a cable. The hill

also offers other adventure activities and extreme sports, such as

hiking, biking, rappelling, paintball, and soon, airsoft. Another

adventure sport is biking on the gullies at the foot of Mayon. The

gullies serve as pathways of loose sand and volcanic rocks swept away

by heavy rains from the volcano’s slopes. Four-wheel All-Terrain

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Vehicles (ATVs) are available for rent. (www.travelsphilippines.com,

2011)

Another comparable tourist attraction would be the Picnic Grow in

Tagaytay. Conforming to the Philippine-visit Blog, it is the most

visited park in the province of Cavite that overlooks the Taal

Volcano and Taal Lake. It is an affordable weekend getaway for

tourists who want to go for a picnic and have a breathtaking view of

the Taal Volcano. The cool air in Picnic Grove Tagaytay also helps in

relaxation for a truly wonderful time. Huts are available for rent if

you prefer a shade where you can also do your barbecue as well.

Accommodations are also available for overnight stays. Horseback

riding is open to kids and souvenir shops. There is a view deck and

boardwalk for that perfect view of the lake and the volcano. There are

also restaurants if you happen to just drop by for the views and a

little walking. There is also a 250 meter ridge zip line and cable car

at about 300 feet high around the area. The zip line and cable car

facility is operated by a different company and is separate from the

Picnic Grove. (www.philippine-visit.com)

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

With its proximity to urban centers, Mabini is a popular

destination for tourists of all kinds for adventure and relaxation.

From July to October, Mabini is hit by rains and occasional typhoons,

just like the rest of the country. But for most of the year, and

especially during the Philippine summer months of March until May,

Mabini draws visitors for its natural beauty for its surely one of the

bests in our country. And one of the beautiful destinations is the Mt.

Gulugod Baboy.

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However environmental and social issues are one of the few things

which is inevitable. During rainy seasons is these issues are most

likely encountered; Creation of footpaths and footpath erosions are

common examples. Soil erosion by water is an occasional incident in

case of rain. The steeper the slope, the greater the soil loss from

erosion caused by water as more soil is washed down the slope (channel

for water to flow) by heavy rainfall. Due to more runoff collected as

the slope length increase, soil erosion by water also increases. This

is due to the increased speed of water which enables a greater

capacity of sediment to be carried down the path. Strong pressure of

raindrops can break down and disperse soil particles when they fall on

soil surfaces, thus causing erosion. This causes the topsoil to be

pack tightly together, forming a hard layer which prevents the growth

of vegetation. Still, not decomposed organic residues present at the

soil surface protect the soil against raindrop impacts. The

possibility of soil erosion increases with the lack of residue covers

such as plants. That’s why it is important to conserve the trees,

plants and natural terrain and slopes of the mountain

Footpath erosion is a minor case as of now but will eventually be

of a serious matter if awareness will not be raised, negligence

follows and conservation will not be considered. Footpath erosion is

the loss of vegetation and soil structure due to human pressure and

some natural factors in footpaths. This occurs when rain water or

flowing water uses existing footpaths as flow channels and thus

destroying the structure which could be disastrous to the mountain’s

natural terrain. Soil/ footpath erosion only causes further creation

of foot paths. Good vegetation cover, with roots binding soil

particles together. During trampling the soil compacts, reducing the

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infiltration rate of the rainfall and forming a shallow gulley. Water

will tend to run overland rather than soak into the soil, so washing

away soil particles. Continued trampling and soil loss causes some

vegetation to die away. With further trampling all vegetation on the

path dies. As soil particles are removed, a gulley forms which acts as

a channel for water running off the slope wherein underlying rocks are

now exposed. The gulley becomes deeper as water erodes yet more soil.

As it becomes less pleasant to walk in the gulley, people trample the

grass at the sides and further widen the path. By not following the

paths provided, vegetation at the sides of the path will be lost.

During peak seasons where many tourists come at Mt. Gulugod

Baboy, waste disposal becomes an issue just like last summer 2013 when

holy week came where many religious devotees and hikers came. An

incident of minor forest fire turned up because a group of hikers left

an extinguished fire when they cooked. Though it was an already

extinguished, the pressures of the wind lift it up again. As soon as

the residents saw the smoke up there in peak they were alarmed and

they took action at once hence it was instantly cleaned-up. Cases

like this were easily resolved for they conduct monitoring and

immediate cleanups. And so because of these the carrying capacity of

the mountain is being limited and the Mabini Tourism Office is on its

way on creating a better and more effective visitor management

especially when Poject Mt. Gulugod Baboy is on its way of development.

As for social issues, there are no cases of major issues

concerning the people, only that of job opportunities for the

residences in the mountain. Because Mt. Gulugod Baboy is still

underdeveloped, most of the monitoring securities and maintenance are

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volunteers and residents. So through this proposal, if the development

of a tourist destination will be pushed through and materialized, the

community will be the one to most benefit here. They will be given

employment and therefore generate income. Another will be major

beneficiaries of this proposal are the out of school youths, young

ladies whose becoming a victim to premarital sex and young men to

who’re majority are unemployed or “tambays” as we call them, who’re

target to drug pushing/using. Through this project, they will be given

job trainings for tour guiding, horseback riding, for security and

monitoring, etc. so it will turn out to be a great help for them.

ACCESS CONDITIONS TO ATTRACTIONS

There are many ways on how to get on to the Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mabini,

Batangas.

How to get there?

Take Batangas bound bus at Buendia Terminal going to Bauan diversion.Bus fare is around 140 pesos. Alight from Bauan diversion ride ajeepney going to Mabini which cost 30 pesos. Just inform the driver todrop you at the point going to Philpan Diving Resort. From there, youcan take a tricycle going to Philpan Diving Resort which is the jumpoff site of Mt Gulugod Baboy. Fare is around 100 pesos which is goodfor 4-5 pax.  Across Philpan is an upright cemented trail which is thestarting point of this hike. 

How much?

Bus Fare (Buendia Terminal - Bauan Diversion) - 140 pesos / one-way

Jeepney Fare (Bauan - Mabini) - 30 pesos / one-way

Tricycle Fare (Mabini - Philpan Dive Resort) - 100 pesos / 4-5 pax /

one-way

or Jeepney Rent (Bauan - Philpan Dive Resort) - 1000 pesos / 20 pax

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Tip: If you're going in large group and want a less hassle trip going

to the jump off point, I suggest you rent a jeepney from Bauan

diversion going to Philpan. Price is 1000 - 1200 pesos, depending on

how good are you on negotiation.

SITE VALIDATION

Mabini is a first class

municipality in the Province of

Batangas, Philippines. It is located on

the Calumpang Peninsula between

Batangas Bay to the east and Balayan

Bay to the west. It is 128.3 km away

from Manila and 26.6 km away from

Batangas city. It has a total land area

of 44.47 km2 (17.17 sq mi). According

to the 2007 census Mabini has a population of 42,092 people and 7,025

households.

The climate of Mabini is characterized by two seasons: the wet

(or rainy) and dry. The rainy season lasts for about six months from

May to October while dry season is enjoyed form November to April.

Jeepneys and tricycles are the main means of transportation around the

town. Batelec II and Mabini Water District supply water and

electricity to the municipality respectively.

Municipal Profile

Features Data

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Land Area 4,296 hasCoastline 24.72 kmNumber of Barangays 20 Coastal, 14

mainland/upland

Approximate Area of Municipal Waters 10,540 hasNumber of Marine Sanctuaries and Approximate

Size

4 (60 has)

Number of Dive Sites 23Number of Resorts 75Population as of March 31, 2010 42,092

Mabini is politically subdivided into 34 barangays:

Anilao Proper

Anilao East

Bagalangit

Bulacan

Calamias

Estrella

Gasang

Laurel

Ligaya

Mainaga

Mainit

Majuben

Malimatoc I

Malimatoc II

Nag-Iba

Pilahan

Poblacion

Pulang Lupa

Pulong Anahao

Pulong Balibaguhan

Pulong Niogan

Saguing

Sampaguita

San Francisco

San Jose

San Juan

San Teodoro

Santa Ana

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Santa Mesa

Santo Niño

Santo Tomas

Solo

Talaga Proper

Talaga East

IDENTIFICATION OF EXISTING ATTRACTIONS

This section indicates the existing attractions around or nearby

a potential tourism site. This is to aid the researchers of the

marketing opportunity of Mt. Gulugod Baboy as well as the possible

effects of these present tourism destinations to its development.

A. Sea's Spring Resort

Seas Spring Resort

is located in Brgy.

Mainit, Mabini Batangas

just 3 hours dive south

from Metro Manila. The

vast 5-hectare land is

a refuge for those who seek to be united with the

lavishness of nature. They are the only resort

next to the most popular muck dive point, called

Secret Bay. In addition to that, it is also the

only resort in Mabini with hot spring pool for

relaxing.

B. Philpan Diving Resort

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The Philpan Diving Resort based at Ligaya

in Batangas, has been operating since 1989 and is

one of the area’s favorite tourist destinations.

Their packages are suitable for both novice and

experienced divers. As well as diving, the

crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkling,

swimming, kayaking and fishing. The area also is

good for hiking and sight seeing.

C. Acacia Resort and Dive Center

Built in 2008,

Acacia Resort and Dive

Center is a situated

in the middle of the

Mabini-Tingloy

Peninsula, north of

Puerto Galera and West of the Verde Island

Passage.

D. Halo Anilao Dive Resort

The Halo Anilao

Dive Resort is in a

class of its own.

Strategically

positioned with

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world-class accommodation located within the

boundaries of Anilao, Batangas, Philippines, you

are sure to have a first-hand experience of all

the best diving Halo Anilao Dive Resort has to

offer. Now partnered with the Philippines' top-

rated dive operators, The Halo Anilao Dive Resort

is proud to offer its services to its elite class

of clientele from around the world.

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ATTRACTIONS

1. Crystal Blue Resort invites you to experience the warm Filipino

hospitality to the stunning backdrop of the bay area of

Bagalangit, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. Crystal Blue

Resort is the ideal getaway spot for your next adventure - where

nothing has been spared to bring you the finest in accomodation,

facilities, dining, relaxation, and fun! Crystal Blue Resort - A

paradise of your own.

2. The Aguila Beach Resort makes you enjoy in their unique

environment that is good for your sanity especially if you are

stressed and with the feeling of taking a break from your usual

urban routine. The Aguila Beach Resort is a nice deal if you are

to make a memorable stay in Batangas.

3. Balai Beach Resort Relaxing comes so easily that one almost forgets that Balai is

just minutes away from some of the most colorful dive spots in Batangas. Open

everyday and all year round, Balai offers Scuba diving and other sports equipment to

guests who are out to discover the wonders of another world under the sea.

4. Sombrero Island (named because the island looked like a big hat

sticking out of the water) is about 15 minute boat ride from

Mabini Batangas. Currents are normally strong during the full

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moon. Diving is fairly shallow on the rim down to about 50 feet

in certain area.

INVENTORY OF FACILITIES, HOTELS, RESORTS AND RESTAURANTS

There are only 2 comfort rooms available located at barangay

ligaya mostly maintain and sanitize by the barangay settlers. They are

some hotel and resorts near the area and these are Seas’s Spring

Resosrt at Brgy. Mainit, Philpan Diving Resort at Brgy Ligaya and Halo

Anilao Dive Resort located at the boundaries of Anilao, Batangas.

Today there are no definite or particular restaurants that surround

the attraction they only have some food vendors or carenderia that can

be passed by during the hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

CHARACTERIZATION OF TOURISM FACILITIES AND OTHER RESOURCES

The Mt. Gulugod Baboy is now famous to the mountaineers becauseof its wonderful panoramic view of different areas in BatangasProvince. We would like this mountain to become popular for alltourists and travelers by recommending accessible facilities. Ourrecommendations will also focus to the economic growth and benefits ofthe town people and the safety and security of both local and foreigntourists. We would like to emphasize that our plan is solelyincorporated with the Tourism and Development Office of Mabini,Batangas.

There are four development plans the group would like to

recommend that will benefit both the local community and the tourism

of the Municipality of Mabini namely;

1. Proposal of a four Coin-Operated Binocular at the top of Mt.

Gulugod Baboy. This will be putted from north-east-west-south

direction to emphasize every view that surrounds the mountain.

For every use the tourist must pay PHP10 per 10 minutes. The

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fee that will be collected will be allocated to different

barangays that geographically situated near at the mountain.

.

2. Planting one tree for every climb. Every tourist will be

allowed to climb the mountain if they will plant trees near at

the peak of the mountain. This project will contribute to

support the soils and prevent erosion and footpath corrosion.

The trees or plants will be provided by our sponsors that

advocate the tree planting programs.

3. Hiring of a monitoring security or Brgy. Tanod at the four

jumps offs of the mountain. They will collect certain amount

of money and limit the tourists to avoid littering and

deteriorating the environment. The fees will be depending upon

the agreement of each barangay.

4. We will be hiring and training Tour Guide. For every group of

15 above they will be accompanied with our licensed tour

guide. Our tour guides will oversee the tourists activities

throughout their trekking to help and guide them during the

trip.

STUDY OF VISITOR MARKETBatangas is a well known province in the south and tourists like

adventurers and explorers flocks here in Mabini, Batangas and enjoys

the different activities nature has to offer. They often seek unique

or new travel destinations and activities with the promise of an

exceptional, authentic experience. And it is a great way to discover

nature that can bring you to the most beautiful places. Being close to

the urban centers, Mabini is a popular destination for leisure,

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adventure and relaxation, a place that seems far away from the noise

and congestion of Luzon’s urban centers.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is a popular hiking destination here in

Batangas. It is the perfect mountain for those who are starting and

wondering what does this activity really is. This trail has becoming

famous for hikers because of the wonderful splendors that waits at its

peak. The hike at this mountain is seasonal. Tourists during summer

seasons are a lot more compared to rainy seasons. The mountain is off

limits during typhoons and bad weather for water floods is prevalent

plus the zero visibility on the top and strong wind currents. So

during four months of rain from July to October tourism office says

that tourists are only of three hundred. It’s only a small number as

to peak seasons for it is really not best to hike because attempting

to hike at these times is very dangerous, there’s mud all over and the

trail is slippery. When it rained, it takes two to three weeks for the

soil to dry again. As for lean seasons of November to January, hikers

result to a total of six hundred. And for summer seasons that starts

from February to May when hikers usually camp for a day or two,

arrivals rise up to two thousand plus. According to Mrs. Pacencia

Casapao, officer of Mabini Tourism, their recent count from the peak

season of April, Holy Week of 2013 was more than one thousand two

hundred where people drove there for penitence. For weekly basis of

sunny days and summer seasons especially when different mountaineers

club like University of the Philippines Mountaineers, UP - Lakay

Kalikasan Mountaineers, Lucena Mountaineering Society and Batangas

Backpackers, their record of tourists counts to two hundred to three

hundred. For the whole year visitor market results to almost three

thousand. And because of the increasing popularity of Mt. Gulugod

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Baboy, Tourism Mabini has finally decided to make this as one

potential attraction and is on their way on planning and development

this project.

FORECAST OF VISITOR ARRIVALS IN STUDY AREA

As years pass, the number of tourist visiting Mt. Gulugod Baboy

increases. It’s really getting famous for the place is surely one of

the wonderful places to be. Through this proposal, we wanted to be of

help to Tourism Mabini to promote Mt. Gulugod Baboy thus helping the

whole municipality most especially the community. Pushing this project

to materialize, exhaustive planning and development is needed. And if

ever this plan will be successful and hopefully unfold in the coming

one to two years, it will be a great benefit and progress for

everybody. Through the help of different new ways of marketing and

advertising, it will be more convenient to promote a tourist

destination; just like through online marketing, tie-ups’ and

affiliations’ sponsorships, printing press, media advertisements and

the like. With this, forecasts on visitor arrivals will boost from

three thousand a year to approximately more than five thousand five

hundred. The three hundred tourists of rainy season will climb a

little to four hundred and the six hundred tourists of lean season

will double up to more than one thousand two hundred. Meanwhile during

summer season, tourists’ arrivals of two thousand will rise up to

relatively four thousand with the one thousand two hundred tourists of

Holy Week will escalate up to two thousand from one thousand two

hundred. Also through this forecasts they will be able to determine a

much more comparative carrying capacity with creating a better and

more effective visitor management for the tourism promotes

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conservation and sustainable development of the natural resources.

This continuous increase number of tourists’ arrivals has will have a

big impact in the municipality’s economic independence and local

community’s welfare.

PREPARATION OF MARKETING PLANS AND PROMOTIONAL COLLATERAL

There are no definitive figures available for the size and value

of Mabini’s adventure tourism market in terms of mountaineering. Some

data show visitor participation in some categories of adventure

activity, including watersports and diving but only a few in

mountaineering. Data on hiking and trekking is, however, included in

more general mountaineering categories, gives no specific data. There

is no available data on day visitor participation in mountaineering

activities in Mabini, Batangas.

Since Mt. Gulogod Baboy is government owned there is no need for

accreditation as it will be operated by the municipality of Mabini.

This will serve as a community based project that will generate jobs

for the people of Mabini. Although Mt. Gulugod Baboy is gaining

popularity to hikers and tourists as their side trips, a need for a

marketing plan is viable in order to promote it. Its market is

basically dependent on word of mouth and blogs. The best way to market

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is through Social media and having affiliations with

recognized organization with relation to mountaineering.

Social networking will allow Mabini to reach out to potential

customers without spending exorbitant amounts of money on advertising

while staying in touch with current customers. Having a presence on a

popular social network will help convince people to visit Mt. Gulogod

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Baboy. Using social networking to promote Mt. Gulogod Baboy has many

advantages but also requires some dedication and work. Almost all

social networking sites are free to use and puts in direct contact

with potential customers without having to pay a penny. In addition to

that, sending an email to current customers, asking them to join,

follow, or like, to get things under way. Usually the cost of an

online advertisement is less than an advertisement in print or

television.

An affiliation with recognized organization will help Mt. Gulugod

Baboy gain popularity as well as help conserve and preserve its

aesthetic beauty. Through, affiliating with these organizations, Mt.

Gulugod Baboy will have a firm base on its market networks in order to

connect with potential clients. Here are potential affiliations that

can help Mt. Gulugod Baboy:

a) UP Mountaineers (UPM)

A student organization of the University of the Philippines-

Diliman, organized to promote responsible mountaineering as a healthy

physical activity, means of promoting environmental awareness in

general and forest conservation in particular.

The UP Mountaineers (UPM), a premier mountaineering group in the

country and a member of the Mountaineering Federation of the

Philippines Inc. (MFPI), is a dynamic, non-profit student

organization whose mission is to establish and strengthen a broad-

based community of outdoor leaders who actively promote responsible

mountaineering and are committed to understanding, appreciating and

protecting the environment.

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b) Kababayang Pinoy Mountaineering Society (KPMS)

Kababayang Pinoy Mountaineering Society a.k.a. KPMS is an

outdoor group and adventure organizer based in the Philippines. KPMS

started out as a group of work colleagues, who, after getting tired

of prowling the jungles of Ayala Avenue, decided to break the

monotony, and instead make their way and take their climbing (other

than the 11th floor of the LKG Building) to a different level-the

mountains.

c) Metropolitan Mountaineering Society (MMS)

The Metropolitan Mountaineering Society is a mountaineering and

outdoor recreation organization in the Philippines. Based in Manila,

the group intends to educate its members in protecting

the environment by promoting responsible mountaineering and other

outdoor related activities. The organization was founded in 1994 and

currently has around 200 members in and around Metro Manila.

PRIORITIZATION OF TOURISM CIRCUIT

A tourist circuit is defined as a route on which at least three

major tourist destinations are located such that none of these are in

the same town, village or city; with well-defined entry and exit

points.

The objective of having a tourist circuit is to increase the

total number of visits to all the destinations on the circuit as well

as provide tourist with a mix of attractions and activities in a

destinations.

Aside from the dive sites in Mabini there is a need to identify

the existing tourist destinations and identify new tourism

destinations that can be linked to the tourism circuit. This should

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add variety to sustain the visitor’s interests. These would combine

the cultural heritage, nature and Agri-tourism shops. The components

of the Tourism Circuit may include the following:

1. The different cultural and heritage shrines in the population;

2. The lakeshore camps that can provide opportunities for fishing,

boating, picnics and camping;

3. Ecology Camps/ Nature Parks that provides opportunities for hiking,

horseback riding and camping and look out areas that provide a good

view of the lake and the surrounding areas.

TOURIST ATTRACTION RECOMMENDATIONS

The Mt. Gulugod Baboy is now famous to the mountaineers becauseof its wonderful panoramic view of different areas in BatangasProvince. We would like this mountain to become popular for alltourists and travelers by recommending accessible facilities. Ourrecommendations will also focus to the economic growth and benefits ofthe town people and the safety and security of both local and foreigntourists. We would like to emphasize that our plan is solelyincorporated with the Tourism and Development Office of Mabini,Batangas.

There are four development plans the group would like to

recommend that will benefit both the local community and the tourism

of the Municipality of Mabini namely;

1. Proposal of a four Coin-Operated Binocular at the top of Mt.

Gulugod Baboy. This will be putted from north-east-west-south

direction to emphasize every view that surrounds the mountain.

For every use the tourist must pay PHP10 per 10 minutes. The fee

that will be collected will be allocated to different barangays

that geographically situated near at the mountain.

a. .

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2. Planting one tree for every climb. Every tourist will be allowed

to climb the mountain if they will plant trees near at the peak

of the mountain. This project will contribute to support the

soils and prevent erosion and footpath corrosion. The trees or

plants will be provided by our sponsors that advocate the tree

planting programs.

3. Hiring of a monitoring security or Brgy. Tanod at the four jumps

offs of the mountain. They will collect certain amount of money

and limit the tourists to avoid littering and deteriorating the

environment. The fees will be depending upon the agreement of

each barangay.

4. We will be hiring and training Tour Guide. For every group of 15

above they will be accompanied with our licensed tour guide. Our

tour guides will oversee the tourists activities throughout their

trekking to help and guide them during the trip.

ESTIMATION OF DEVELOPMENT COST

Mt. Gulugod Baboy Development Planning

-525 meters above sea level; Landforms reaching 500 feet (152meters)

Through the funding of DOT amounting of PHP 1,100,000.00 plus with the

sponsor of NGO’s.

1. FOUR BINOCULARS (HIGH POWER 40X100 COIN-OPERATED BINOCULARS)

FOB Price/Pie US $2,298-3000 convert PHP96,316/PHP 126,000Estimated Cost base on the larger amount US$12,000 convert PHP 504,000 (four pieces)

Total Cost:

= PHP 504,0002. PLANTING ONE TREE FOR EVERY CLIMB.

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Average typical tree (MAHOGANY) cost:PHP 5000 per piece.

100 trees x 5,000= PHP 500,000

Total Cost: = PHP 500,000

1. HIRING OF A MONITORING SECURITY OR BRGY. TANOD AT THE FOUR JUMPS OFFS OF THE MOUNTAIN

Working Days: 7 days a week (with weekend and holiday pay): PHP 50 per day x 365 days = PHP 18,250

Security (4) x 18,250 = PHP 73,000

Total Cost: = PHP 73,000

2. HIRING AND TRAINING TOUR GUIDE

Trainer Fee: PHP 5,000 per head

= PHP 20,000

Training Days: 15 days with allowance PHP 50 per day = PHP750

Trainees (4) x 750 = PHP 3,000

Working Days: 7 days a week (with weekend and holiday pay): PHP 50 per day x 365 days = PHP 18,250 Security (4) x 18,250 = PHP 73,000

Total Cost: = PHP 96,000

SUMMARY OF COST:

FOUR COIN-OP BINOCULARS =504, 000.00PLANT TREE FOR EVERY CLIMB =500,000.00MONITORING SECURITY =73,000.00HIRING AND TRAINING TOURGUIDES =96,000.00

TOTAL COST: = PHP 1,173,000.00

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FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ANDFACILITIES

The proposed annual budget for tourism services for the year

2013 is Php. 270,000. This budget is allocated to all programs,

projects and activities that will develop promote and sustain tourism

and other related programs. According to Ms. Nini Casapao the DOT will

provide PHP 1,100,000.00 for the development and marketing of Mt.

Gulugod Baboy.

According to the Engineering Department this budget was for the

Gulugod Baboy. A budget amounting of PHP 25,000,000.00 for the

development was proposed by the local government to finance the access

road project from the jump off site which is in Brgy. Laurel to the

foot of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. The Gazebo with Three Coin-Operated

binocular and Gear shop will be finance through outsourcing or from

interested investors.

FINANCING OPTIONS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Municipality of Mabini is a very productive municipality and can

support any development, programs and projects that will promote,

develop and sustain tourism and other related programs. But in the

development of the Mt. Gulugod Baboy the finances will come from the

donations of the local community as well as the annual budget of the

Tourism Mabini and special allocated budget for road widening released

by the Government body.

In case all expected finances will not materialize in the finances

needed for the development of the attraction, the following are the

possible financing options:

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1. We will present this proposal to the interested investors that will

fund this project.

2. We will outsource fund to different NGO’s or government department.

3. We will get a loan from the World Bank, IMF and Bank of America.

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