TACLOBAN CITY — Provincial and local officials are pushing to develop a mangrove safari in Pinabacdao town into a key eco-tourism destination in Samar, highlighting its vast mangrove ecosystem and potential to generate sustainable livelihood for communities.
An on-site inspection was recently conducted by Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Mayor Via Mabag to assess the site’s readiness and prospects as part of the province’s growing tourism portfolio.
The project is anchored on the provincial government’s push for community-based and environmentally sustainable tourism, with a focus on protecting and showcasing Samar’s rich coastal resources.
The Pinabacdao Mangrove Safari spans around 575 hectares of mangrove forest across seven coastal barangays and is home to 19 to 20 mangrove species, including some endemic to the area.
Once developed, the site is expected to offer guided tours and nature-based activities such as kayaking and boating, giving visitors an immersive experience of the mangrove ecosystem while promoting environmental awareness.
Governor Tan underscored the importance of striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, noting that eco-tourism projects like the mangrove safari can create income opportunities for residents without compromising natural resources.
Mayor Mabag, for her part, said the initiative could position Pinabacdao as an emerging eco-tourism hub, boosting local economic activity and attracting more visitors to the area.
The mangrove safari is also being eyed for inclusion in the Spark Samar Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit, a provincial program that links various destinations to offer a more integrated travel experience across Samar.
Officials expressed optimism that with its unique landscape and biodiversity, the Pinabacdao Mangrove Safari will soon become a major addition to the province’s list of nature-based attractions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
