Bulusan commemorates Independence Day with “Thrills in the Trails to the Max”

SORSOGON CITY, June 10 – 2013 Bulusan 1^st Volcano Skyrun Conquest and 3^rd Eco-Trail Running Cup, dubbed as “Thrills in the Trails to the Max,” gets underway as the country celebrates the 115^th Philippine Independence and Environment Month this year.

The combined trail-running and sky-running eco-adventure kicks-off on June 12, at Poblacion, Bulusan. This running event is expected to break new grounds as its participants face up the goal of being the first crowd of Bulusan Volcano Skyrunners.

Provincial Information Officer Von Labalan said the 1^st International 32-Kilometer Skyrun Conquest interweaves with the twelve-monthly Eco-Trail Running Cup at 21, 10, 5 and 3-kilometer categories which is now on its third year, hoping to raise more tourists, both local and foreign, who has interest in open-air adventures, boosting the status of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bulusan in eco-adventure-sports tourism, and significantly – the Province of Sorsogon’s distinction as the Eco-Tourism Capital of the Bicol Region.

 

As a project, the 2013 Bulusan 1^st Volcano Skyrun Conquest and 3^rd Eco-Trail Running Cup aim to promote Bulusan as a premier eco-tourism destination of the province by engaging the local populace and guests into eco-adventure-sports-activities, and showcase the historical, cultural and agricultural products of the locality; raise funds for the development of eco-tourism products and services of the municipality geared towards poverty reduction and enhancement of local economy; and sustain the protection and conservation of the Bulusan Volcano National Park (BVNP) and its surrounding eco-systems as defined in the PRESERVE BVNP – Bulusan Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-Tourism Support Strategy, and the National Greening Program (NGP).

Mr. Labalan stated that this eco-adventure sports event is an epitome to the overall commitment of various sectors in an unyielding mission to achieve social equity, economic stability and environmental security by way of sustainable tourism.

“Amplified tourist arrivals will mean more livelihoods which will expand family income and enhance local economy. It would unlock more opportunities to market the local products and services, protect and conserve the environment, particularly the BVNP, by means of practicing sustainable tourism, plus, showcase the richness of biodiversity, agricultural products, culture and heritage of the Municipality of Bulusan, the whole Province of Sorsogon, the Bicol Region and the Philippines to the world,” he explained.

The Municipality of Bulusan is now being considered as the leading emerging eco-tourism destination in the 2^nd District of the Province of Sorsogon. Bulusan capitalizes on its unique and rich natural heritage such as the water wonders of its awesome beaches, raging rivers, mystical waterfalls and enchanting lakes combined with the wilderness of Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) as ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Leading the project is LGU Bulusan as the host municipality headed by Mayor Michael G. Guysayko, in partnership with Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection (AGAP) -  Bulusan, Inc., the local community-based multi-sectoral environmental Non-Government Organization (NGO) with on-going PRESERVE BVNP Bulusan Area Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism Support Project assisted by Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program United Nations Development Program (GEF SGP UNDP); the Wild Bulusan Outdoor Adventure Recreation Sports (BOARS) Philippines Incorporated - the local People Organization specializing in nature and adventure tourism chaired by Philip G. Bartilet; the Bantay Kalikasan – ABS CBN Foundation’s environmental NGO headed by Gina Lopez, with support coming from the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, under the Honorable Governor Raul R. Lee; the National Government Agencies (NGAs), such as, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional and National Offices; the Provincial, Regional and National Offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Education (DepEd) and Private Organizations or Corporations thru their generous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Cris Racelis said that  Miss Earth winners will add up to the thrill as they join the Bicol Projects Familiarization and the 1^st Bulusan Volcano Skyrun Conquest and 3^rd Eco-Trail adventure starting June 11-13, 2013 in Sorsogon.

“Prior to this, following a fifteen-minute travel via Sorsogon Bay, the beauties will engage in a tree planting activity in a declared Mangrove Reforestation site with Provincial Officials and the media in Barangay Gimaloto, Sorsogon City,” Ms. Racelis added.

Miss Earth, as an annual international beauty pageant promotes environmental awareness along with Miss Universe and Miss World contest. Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals and one of the most publicized beauty contests in the world. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote specific projects and often address issues concerning the environment and other global issues through school tours, tree planting activities, street campaigns, coastal clean ups, speaking engagements, shopping mall tours, media guesting, environmental fair, storytelling programs, eco-fashion shows, and other environmental activities. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/VAEL/PTO)