Hiyas sa Dulong Katagalugan: Uncovering the Potentiality of Ecotourism
Destinations in the Lens of the Local Community of Tagkawayan, Quezon
Joan R. Acosta1, Rio Ferdinand G. Arnaldo1, Holly G. Fernando1, Allyssa Bernice R. Mosquera1,
Aaron R. Pajo1, Jovelle N. Villamayor1, & Maria Concepcion A. Ang1
College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Santo Tomas, España
1
Boulevard, Sampaloc, City of Manila 1015
Abstract
Ecotourism is one of the major factors in promoting the development of local communities. The
study explores the potential of ecotourism destinations through the lens of the local community
of the municipality of Tagkawayan in Quezon Province. This study evaluates the impact of
ecotourism on socio-cultural, environmental, and economic aspects. Utilizing a qualitative
approach through focus group discussions, the research assesses the competitiveness of the
Municipality by engaging locals from the mapped ecotourism destinations in Tagkawayan. The
mode of analysis is connected with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically
SDG numbers 8, 11, 14, 15, and 17. The narrative analysis and findings led to the
conceptualization of The Sustainability Equilibrium Paradigm: A Guide to a Greener Future. The
concept is designed to benefit the local community and its ecotourism destinations. The baseline
of “Green Investment” can help identify sustainable management practices and measure the
feasibility of promoting ecotourism while empowering the local community to adopt effective
ecotourism management strategies for long-term tourism sustainability.
Keywords: development, ecotourism destinations, local community, sustainability, sustainable
development goals, sustainable management