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Chapter I

The Problem

Introduction

Sarangani Balut islands are considered to be one of the best

destinations for local tourisms in the province of Davao Occidental.

The newly established province has been its progress since it is in

its fourth year as a province of Davao Occidental. This

municipality is endowed with beautiful spots, crystal clear water,

the beautiful sunrise and sunset, panoramic view all these make

the municipality a tourist attraction.

Ecotourism on the other hand symbolizes the management

of the business in such a fashion that derived most advantage`s

from the nature while not troubling its innate balance. It seeks to

revive man’s communication with nature and to make sure the

fulfillment if the requirements of the native culture, tradition

remain undisturbed and intact (Usha Bande, 2002).

Tourism is the world’s largest industry and it has remained

at the forefront of global economic growth. Travel and tourism have

become the most potential industries these days all over the world

in any country. According to International Labor Organization’s

(ILO) and United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNTWO)

records tourism industry was expected to produce almost 9

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percent of the total GDP, which would be able to provide 235

million jobs in 2010 and was about to cover 8 percent of global

employment. (World of Work Magazine)

There have been studies conducted referring to the positive

impact of ecotourism which believe to be helpful in the augmenting

local jobs in the community. The study of (Buted et al. 2014: Kiss,

2004 and Weaver, 2006). All these have discussed the contribution

of ecotourism in the locality. Ecotourism can produce more jobs for

the local and signifies that it has benefits. The economy agreed

that it really helps in employment (Buted et al., 2014) additionally

Kiss (2004) states that community-based ecotourism projects

makes local jobs and induced profits.

Weaver (2006) pointed out that ecotourism associated

cultural influences are recognized as an essential ecotourism

attraction especially in the case of indigenous territories. This

based on the arguments that direct and indirect human influences

critically affects the dynamics of any contemporary ecosystem and

form a vital part of the ecosystem’s interpretation and

understanding.

Rao (2005) explained that ecotourism affects the revenue of a

certain locality. It helps the development of a certain place,

however if not properly managed it may contribute adverse effects

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to the community. Dhanasekaran (2005) added that protection,

development and improvement of the various constituents of the

environment are among the basic condition for the harmonious

development of tourism.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the various

ecotourism destinations in Balut island, Sarangani, Davao

Occidental. This study tends to discover the ecotourism

destination of Sarangani municipality which may help the

development of the place. Through this study various concepts can

be drawn for the progress and development of the place.

Significance of the study

Through this study, the local community would be able to

give importance and awareness on the conservation of the

ecotourism destinations in the locality. Additionally, any

information that might be gained would also help them craft local

ordinances and laws in preserving the ecotourism destination of

Sarangani.

To the owner. It will help them generate ideas on how to

develop more of their facilities and amenities offered to the guests.

To the researcher. It will help the researcher to achieve

broader knowledge and understanding about ecotourism in Balut

and Sarangani Island.

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Scope and delimitation

This study mainly focuses on the tourist destination in Balut

Island and Sarangani including Villalobos Island, Tuke Maklang,

Marurong Islet, and Isla Pabrosis. The owners of these spots are

the main participants of this study.

Definition of terms

Ecotourism is the form of tourism involving visiting fragile,

pristine and relatively undisturbed places. Ecotourism is a

buzzword that has been discussed within the conservation and

development community for a few decades. One of the first

definitions is credited to (Ceballos-Lascurain 1987) and describes

the ecotourism as “Traveling to relatively undisturbed or

uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objectives of

studying, admiring, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants

and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both

past and present) found in the areas” (Blammey, 2001).

Balut Island is a Volcanic Island south of the tip of the

Davao Occidental Province of Mindanao region Southern

Philippines. The Island of Balut is located about 13 km (8.1 mi)

from the mainland Mindanao. Balut, Sarangani and Olanivan

Island make up the island group comprises the Municipality of

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Sarangani, Davao Occidental. Mabila on the Balit Island is the

town center for commerce and the located governments. Balut is

divided into 8 barangays: Batuganding, Gomtago, Konel, Lipol,

Mabila, Tagen, Tinina and Tucal.

Fig. 1 Schematic Diagram of the Study

As can be seen, the study focuses on ecotourism in Balut

and Sarangani islands. Ecotourism helps in community

development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local

community which is more sustainable. It also travels to natural

areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being

of the local people (Honey 2008). In addition, ecotourism can

provide economic incentives for conservation and help to protect

natural resources and biodiversity. At the same time, it becomes

the best leisure and entertainment activities.

There are four main link between ecotourism and

environment: components of natural environment as the basis for

a marketable tourism attraction or product; management of

tourism operations so as to minimize or reduce their

environmental impact; economic or material contribution of

tourism to conservation, either directly or indirectly; and attitude

towards the environmental and environmental education of client

by tourist’s operator.
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Therefore, there are environmental aspects to every major

component of tourism business: products and markets,

management, money, and people. Environmental organization have

generally insisted that only tourism that is nature-based,

sustainably managed, conservation-supporting, and

environmentally educated (Fennell, D.A. 2007; Weaver, D.B. 2005;

Pergams, O.R., & Zaradic, P.A. 2005; Lindberg, K., & Mckercher,

B. 2005; Hmegaard, G.T., & Dearden, P. 2005)

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter provides information, different literature and

studies that could help the researchers understand better and gain

more knowledge on the present study. The literature and studies

presented in this chapter serve as a guide to the researcher

particularly in conceptualizing a study such as this.

This is no universally accepted that there are at least 85

million different definition of ecotourism. However, the definitions

share many common elements, such as travel or natural areas,

education being the primary motivation, as well as conservation

and local well-being.

Tourism society is dictionary for the tourism industry

(Smith, 2009) defined ecotourism as destination-based visit or

tours and considered to be small-scale tourism development using

local flora and fauna” and “tours that do not disturb the local

environment the local environment while producing the income for

areas. “This definition focuses on ecology from which the term

ecotourism was derived.

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Drumm and Moore (2002) & Cobbinah (2015) defined

ecotourism based on what it can do: “Ecotourism is a form of

tourism that aims to minimize environmental impacts and

contributes to economic development of local communities, and for

successfully funding conservation and sustainable development

programs.”

According to Fennel (2007) Ecotourism is a sustainable,

non-invasive form of nature-based tourism that focuses primarily

on leaning about nature first-hand, and which is ethically

managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally oriented

(control, benefits, and scale). It typically occurs in natural areas,

and should contribute to the conservation of such areas (Fennell,

2007). Both are good definitions and there is commonality in that

they both believe that ecotourism should involve natural areas,

local focus, learning on the part of the tourist, and conservation.

We can assume from these explanations that Ecotourism

practitioners from waiter, maid to tour guide and general manager

on travel or hotel management.

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the

world today. It is a form of natural resources based tourism

focused on experiencing and learning about nature. The term

ecotourism can be well described with the following five criteria:

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nature conservation, low impact, sustainability, meaningful

community involvement, and environmental education.

Environmental education must be fulfilled to perform ecotourism

and is the step towards the process of understanding the natural

ecosystems. The aim of environmental education is to teach and

educate the people about the natural environments and

ecosystems to live sustainable.

Ecotourism was taking the peak during the 80’s, an eco-

tourist those days was less responsible and activities such as bird

watching, observing the insects in the grasslands, finding the rare

plants and mushrooms were done. Eco-tourists were people who

carried binoculars and magnifying glass those days. The industry

of ecotourism was raised dramatically later. Ecotourism is now a

very effective tool to promote conservation of nature and preserving

culture.

Ecotourism provides natural and authentic breath-taking

experiences. Ecotourism is being mote organized these days and

the spirit of early ecotourism is still the same in our minds today.

After 1983 many organizations adopted ecotourism; ecotourism

was the key success for sustainable travel and for the conservation

of environment. Many schools and colleges are very active to

provide information and courses regarding ecotourism, the hosting

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communities are also very active in promotion of sustainable

ecotourism. Ecotourism is very beneficial to local people, visitors

and to the environment.

Cultural Ecotourism and Agritourism

Cultural ecotourism mainly focuses on the discovery of the

cultural heritage of the host area, place or destination. In this form

of tourism, you can observe various arts by local artists, who will

show you how to weave a tapestry. Learning about traditional

dresses from ecotourism is that there are no centers of 10

attentions on nature, wildlife and environment.

Cultural ecotourism preserves the culture, society, customs,

norms and values, also generates economic welfare and

advantages to hosting local communities, in one-line ecotourism

comforts and the earth by various positive activities. Tourists and

visitors can observe and learn about other various cultures after

their own culture, this can be seen as a cultural benefits as fact of

cultural ecotourism. Social benefits can be collected by having

various interactions with local people of various heritages and

sociocultural backgrounds. It is very common that the hosting

local community will have economic advantages. When the tourists

and visitors visit the destination, they will spend the money on
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accommodation and food. It is particularly very important for

developing countries and communities (Native Planet, 2004).

The tour operating and service providing companies want to

conserve the area where the adventure activities are operating this

can be taken as positive factors. At the same time they may not be

more serious and not take a place as in sustainable procedure.

Even they may have done hesitation of public awareness and less

utilization of educational scope and utilization (Answers, 2015).

Green tourism refers to various activities, facilities provided

to visitors and tourists which are operated and done within an

environmentally friendly procedure. A rain forest lodge having

composting toilets and solar power lighting system can be taken as

an example of green tourism. It is not so considered although

there are differences between eco-tourism and green tourism. The

differences are that lodges may be managed and run by a different

large company or organization, which are centrally operated. It is

not compulsory to provide economic advantages to the host

destination. Green tourism does not focus on the conservation,

education and public awareness or preventing the wildlife and

their habitat (Cairngorms, 2015).

Responsible and nature Ecotourism

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Ecotourism is always less harmful to the environment and to

nature, responsible tourism is very sensitive and strict in

environmental degradation control. Responsible tourism’s major

aim is to reduce the environmental degradation of the host

destination or particular visiting place, for example an

inhospitable region camping trip using quote “Leave No Trace”.

Responsible tourism is different from ecotourism because there

may be no chances of any economic advantages to the host

destination or place (Untamed Path, 2015).

The center of attention for nature tourism is wildlife in their

natural habitat and spectacular views to visitors and tourists to

enjoy the view. Various activities such as jungle lodgings in jungles

and cruise ships to Antarctica to view the penguins. Nature

tourism is different from ecotourism; the trips of nature tourism

may not have the educational element for them. This type of

tourism is not environmentally friendly, sustainable and

responsible Ecotourism. As a responsible tourism and Ecotourism

for endangered wildlife nature tourism in different from

Ecotourism because nature tourism also may not help the host

destination to generate the revenue and help economically

(Untamed Patn, 2015).

Positive Factors being in Ecotourism

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Ecotourism is a major factor, which produces lots of

opportunities in many sectors. Ecotourism has been acting as a

major subject, which is providing long term solutions to poverty

and the environment, which are needed for flora, fauna along with

local people. It is another way of developing rural areas to boost up

the economy level along with securing the cultural heritage by

maintaining it in a certain comfort zone. Ecotourism plays a vital

role in marketing as well as connecting and provides the

probabilities of establishing different business in the place. At the

same time ecotourism gives you special chances to obtain genuine

experiences, it’s really authentic.

Travelers will have plenty of opportunities to meet new

people, new friends, find new places, enjoy their time and make it

an unforgettable moment. Eco travelers are not the persons who

just take photos and leave only their footprints but they are really

much more that we think, they have various experiences after

visiting the destination. The eco traveler plays significant roles to

the communities and destinations, where they visit by having a

certain lasting impact on them (Untamed Path, 2014).

Benefits and Drawbacks of Ecotourism

Eco tourists are responsible persons, socially and environmentally.

They want to preserve the world by saving the environment and

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culture, which makes the world better. Eco travelers have a

positive intention to develop the economy of the place wherever

they travel, even if it’s really underdeveloped, they make the first

move to fight against poverty. They may give some time and

donation working as volunteers, the main aim of the ecotourism is

to improve the world and take it to the next comfort zone. Eco

tourists are always supporting local communities and

environment.

Conservation of Natural Areas and Government Funding

The main focus of ecotourism is to control and prevent the

uncooperative effects of human development. In general, people

who live in a city area love to visit jungles, riversides, mountains,

beaches and lakes to enjoy the natural beauty of nature because

they are unfamiliar with these kinds of environments. When people

from different cities visit such places, then local people recognize

that the natural resources near to them are the source of income

due to tourists. After knowing its importance, the local people

might work hard to preserve the natural resources of that area.

The local people are able to find different jobs due to their efforts

and hard work for preserving the resources, for example local

guides and hospitality business (Prem, 2014).

Improving Local Business and Brother lands, Cultural Exchange

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Not only the tour guide but the local people can take benefits

from small and local business through ecotourism. They can sell

their different handicrafts products, which are made by hand and

which are unique and attractive. A tourist buys them as a

souvenir.

They can run certain accommodation business places such

as hotels and inns, where tourists can rest, and the local people

can generate income. Running restaurant business is also another

idea for a source of income. All the provided services by local

people, this also plays a vital role to tourists to find local

characteristics. Ecotourism has played a major role to raise the

economy. If local people are busy with the local business, they will

not cut the tress because they would not have much time.

Cultural preservation and sustainability of a forest adjacent

communities

Cultural heritage is defended as an important part of

ecotourism. Culture’s is a word that is used often but is not clearly

defined. Sussmann & Rashcovsky (1997) describe culture as

including the observable elements such as the characteristics of

behavior; material arts, and social arrangements, and non-

observable elements such as the beliefs, attitudes, and values held

by most people in a society. Triandis (1972) included additional

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elements, such as role perceptions, stereotypes, categorization,

evaluations, expectations, memories, and opinions. Memberw of a

similar culture have similar values; conforms to similar rules and

norms; develop similar perceptions, attitudes, and stereotypes; use

common language; and participate in similar activities. Social and

environmental values are shaped by the specific culture people

belong to.

Chapter 3

Methodology

This chapter presents the techniques and strategies used in

conducting this research. Topics included in this chapter which

needed to be given explanation are research design, research

instrument, Data gathering, participants and locale of this study.

Research Design

The study used the qualitative design. Creswell (2002) noted

that qualitative research in the approach to data collection,

analysis and report writing differing from the traditional. The

qualitative descriptive method of this research is the most

approximately method to be used.

Participants
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The participants of the study are the owners of the spots and

locals. They are chosen participants for they can describe the

attractiveness of the tourists’ spots of Sarangani.

Research Instrument

The instrument used to collect data is the questionnaires,

this will be used because questions related to this study were

planned and a set of questions will be answered properly by the

selected participants that would supply necessary information to

complete this study. Interview will be also used in the research

because it helps the researcher to gather information.

Data gathering

The study used three gathering tools. These were interview

using guide questions, observation, and field notes. Triangulation

of data was necessary in this study since this is a qualitative type

of research. These tools helped the researchers in gathering

information on the common problem encountered by the owners of

the Ecotourism destinations of Sarangani.

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted in the Municipality of

Sarangani, Province of Davao Occidental.

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Chapter 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets data on

ecotourism destination of Balut and Sarangani. The data obtain

were based on the interview done to the owner of the spots. The

data were carefully examined and analyze specifically on the

management of ecotourism destination by the participants. The

presentation is based on the problem stated in chapter 1.

The Ecotourism Management Process

Ecotourism is one of the strategies being pursued as a tool

for sustainable development in the Philippines. It is regarded as a

business, tourism product, and tool for conservation and socio-

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cultural development. Ecotourism primary objective include: (1)

conserving nature and cultural heritage especially in protected

areas, (2) spurring economic development through business

partnership between the government and private sectors, (3)

promoting equity of socio-economic benefits among local

community including indigenous groups, and (4) encouraging

community participation among men and women in tourism

planning. Ecotourism also promotes indigenous knowledge and

practices, environmental education and ethics, and satisfaction of

visitors. In order to derive maximum benefits from ecotourism, it is

essential that planners, developers, and managers understand the

different steps involved in planning and managing ecotourism

venture.

In the Philippines, the concept of ecotourism was introduced

in 1992, following the inception of the Philippines Tourism master

plan for 1991-2011 (National ecotourism steering committee &

Ecotourism Technical Working Group, 2002). The organizational

structure for the development of ecotourism in the Philippines was

form on June 17, 1999, with the issuance of the executive Order

(EO) 1111 series of 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada (NESC

& ETWG, 2002). This order provided the legal basis for the

formulation of the National Ecotourism Strategy (NES), which was

formally launched during the Second National Ecotourism

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Congress in Tacloban City in April 2002. It also created the main

bodies that would oversee the development and promotion of

ecotourism in Philippines: The National Ecotourism Development

Council (NEDC), NESC, Regional Ecotourism Committees (RESs),

and ETWG.
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Names of ecotourism destination of the Balut and Sarangani

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Isla Pabrosis

Isla Pabrosis is a swimming spot popular with locals. The east-

facing coastline afforded panoramic views of Balut island which

makes an idea area to watch the sunrise from behind the island

volcano.

During the FGD, the owner of the spots tackled about the

abbreviation of PABROSIS and it means Paras, Brothers, and

Sisters. Isla Pabrosis is one of the famous destination here in

Sarangani. It can make sense to the local to visit because of the

panoramic quality of the area.

According to the owner of the spot:

“….nya pagka kadlawon makadungog kag tingug sa langgam

kanang kwahaw ana ba….”

As can be gleaned the Isla pabrosis peaceful and they have

not distracted the wildlife. It shows that they are establishing

sensitive in terms of environmental awareness. Therefore, it is very

good and suitable for nature lover tourist to visit there. Ecotourism

has positive effect in wildlife preservation and protection efforts as

a results, several endangered species have begun to thrive again

(IUCN, 1996).
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Tuke Maklang has a beach resort straddling two coves. It is

possible to spend a rustic night or two here on barebones

accommodation in the company of hundreds flying foxes roosting

on a nearby trees.

Seeking members is one of the most difficult and challenging

experiences of ecotourism in Sarangani because most of the time

tourist officers used to develop the tourism in Sarangani. However,

it is very sensitive in their environment. Moreover, the tourism in

Sarangani sometimes experience lack of budget due to some

project implemented in LGU of Sarangani. Meanwhile, the tourism

officers are quite good in terms of the safety practices for the

locals. In addition, tourism officers would also give job

opportunities to the local people.

The owner of the spot said:

“..we are starting mag plant ug corals dira kay ahm kaning nindut

man gud ang reef dira sa maklang naa tay mga rules na bawal ang

fishing sa sulod, kay spooning area ang sulod anang maklang….”

“…nagadevelop mig restaurant actually human na ang

construction atong restaurant so ano nalng operation na lang ang

kulan…”
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“…ginabalik namo ang zipline, actually ang zipline so we close it

kay mamroblema ang nagproblema man gud mi sa crew so karun

nangita mig new crew para sila i-train ulit sa operation.

During the interview or FGD, tourism officer talked about

the environmental conservations. Tuke Maklang has a spooning

are and fishing is not allowed inside, and they also restrict

swimming during low tide to avoid coral damage. Recently they are

developing restaurant and they are looking for new crew to be

trained for the operation of the zipline.

As can be gathered MAklang beach is one of the enchasing

sites and strictly practices and environmental sensitivity and

conservation reveals that they are very sensitive in terms of natural

resources. A focus on ecotourism embeds the values of

conservation among the local people who become the vanguards

for protecting the environment (Drumm & Moore, 2002).

Marorong Islet

Marorong, fondly called Ballistic islet because of its bullet

form, is 70 meter across balut island