MATUGUINAO, Samar– From terrorism to tourism. This is how Mayor Aran Boller describes the transformation of this once-insurgency-ridden town into one of the emerging tourist destinations in Samar province.
Nestled in the heart of Samar Island, Matuguinao was once isolated, with most of its 20 barangays heavily affected by insurgency. For decades, the town was only accessible via a four- to six-hour motorboat ride, discouraging development and making it vulnerable to communist influence.
But with the completion of a road project funded by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program and Mayor Boller’s focused leadership on peace and development, the town has begun a remarkable turnaround.
“For people to believe that the municipality is already peaceful, we developed our cold spring into a resort that they may visit,” Mayor Boller said.
What started as a single attraction—Matugnaw Cold Spring—has now grown into two operating resorts, with a third one under development, including the Maslog Cold Spring. These natural attractions have become key to changing perceptions and reviving the local economy.
According to Tourism Officer Alexis Ogacho, 66,320 daytime visitors have been recorded since the spring resorts opened in 2021.
In 2024 alone, the town logged 15,084 tourist arrivals, placing Matuguinao 12th among the top 20 most visited tourism sites in the province that year.
This figure is expected to grow as the municipal government continues to develop other eco-tourism sites—caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails—and submits proposals to national agencies like the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
At present, only day tourism is allowed due to the lack of accommodation facilities, but Mayor Boller is encouraging residents with the means to invest in lodging services.
“Right now, there are houses that can be rented out for those who want to stay overnight. But probably by next year, we’ll already have proper accommodation facilities,” Boller said.
Despite the tourism gains, the mayor said his true goal is for Matuguinao to be declared insurgency-free, or under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) by the military.
Currently, only two to four barangays—mostly near the border with Northern Samar—remain affected. Mayor Boller revealed that only six active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the town remain, and they no longer operate locally.
The local government is pursuing localized peace initiatives by engaging families of active rebels to encourage surrender and reintegration.
“Although tourists are now coming, my greatest legacy will be seeing Matuguinao finally declared insurgency-free,” Mayor Boller said.
From a stronghold of conflict to a beacon of hope, Matuguinao is now charting a new course—one that leads to peace, progress, and prosperity through tourism.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
