MAMBAJAO, Camiguin Province - A P525,000 mangrove boardwalk project is set to start at the Queobe area of Barangay San Miguel in Mahinog town, Camiguin. This developed after the municipal government of Mahinog and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Caraga Region signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the construction of the boardwalk project in the said area, which is also one of the tourism destinations of this tourism and agriculture fast-growing province. The MoA was signed by Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla DENR regional technical director for research Danilo Cacanindin on behalf of the DENR. Mahinog Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle was on hand to witness the signing. In that MoA, the P400,000 will come from the DENR, while the P125,000 is the counterpart of Mahinog town, said Municipal Planning and Development Officer Benito C. Paderanga. Mahinog partially developed the area which is now known as Queobe Eco-Park and Training Center with the construction and establishment of amenities including dormitories, training center, cottages, campsite, parking area, flower garden and nursery. The overall objective of the project is to pursue a sustainable ecological tourism development with emphasis on safeguarding and conserving the bio-diversity in the mangrove area.
The project is also aimed at providing a learning environment on mangrove existence specifically on ecological protection and enhancement. The project is expected to create employment opportunities, boost the local economy and generate income for the local government unit (LGU) as well, local officials said. "This wooden boardwalk located near the Benoni Lagoon and port area will provide safe recreational places for people to walk while enjoying the natural ambience and learning the unique characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem," said Jajalla. Queobe eco-park has an excellent vantage point overlooking the mangrove boardwalk, Benoni Lagoon, Benoni Port, including the Mantigue Island. These are all part of a development plan vigorously pursued by the municipal government of Mahinog, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the potential of the area in order to provide employment opportunities and boost the local
