ITOGON, Benguet—For generations, the town of Itogon has been defined by mining. Gold, gravel, and the scars of mineral extraction have shaped both its landscape and its economy. But in a 10-hectare patch of forest that was once a logging concession, a different story is beginning to unfold.
Opened in February 2025, Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events is positioning itself as a rare experiment in ecotourism in the Cordillera region—in contrast to the extractive industries that have long dominated the area. Park developers say the place is built on a vision of preservation, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
A year after the forest park’s opening, Mt. Camisong president Oliver Samala reaffirmed this commitment. “Our plans are hinged on protecting the environment. This is the real investment,” he said.
On July 14, 2025, the park unveiled new eco-friendly infrastructure, including solar photovoltaic panels, electric shuttles, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, further strengthening its environmental agenda.
Three electric vehicles ferry visitors and employees for free between Pacdal Circle in Baguio City and the park. Rides operate hourly from 6:10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., while return trips run hourly from 1:40 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
Within the park, seven additional electric shuttles transport elderly visitors and those with difficulty walking.
Building around the trees
“This area used to be a logging concession,” said Ludette Y. Querubin, chairperson of Mt. Camisong. “The road we’re on now? That was once a logging road.”
Rather than cutting new paths through the forest, developers paved over existing roads to avoid cutting trees. The project began with an extensive tree-mapping exercise.
“We counted more than 4,000 trees with significant trunk girth. That map became our blueprint,” Querubin said.
Plans were revised multiple times to avoid damaging root systems. “The common mistake developers make is that they only look at the trunk and the leaves. They forget the most important part of the tree is the roots,” Querubin said.
Only five trees were removed during construction—three infested with beetles and two struck by lightning, she said. “Not one tree was cut for convenience,” she pointed out.
Construction was managed in-house to maintain strict environmental controls. “If we outsourced, we couldn’t be sure contractors would care the same way,” Querubin said.
Inside a protected area
The land, though privately owned, lies within the Lower Agno Watershed Forest Reserve. Instead of treating this as a constraint, the developers embraced the regulatory requirements. They secured an environmental compliance certificate, a certificate of precondition from the indigenous peoples in Itogon, and are currently processing a special use agreement in protected areas (SAPA).
Samala said they expect the SAPA to be approved within the first quarter of the year. Issued by the Protected Area Management Board under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the agreement allows regulated, non-extractive activities that support conservation.
Before construction began, the developers established baseline data on plant and animal species within the park. Quarterly environmental monitoring reports are submitted to the DENR.
So far, soil, air, and water quality tests have yielded positive results. Samala, however, acknowledged that the park has yet to secure a permit for its sewage treatment plant.
“We are not producing enough sludge at the moment to properly measure its efficiency,” Samala explained.
A push for zero waste
Sustainability at Mt. Camisong extends beyond design. Even during construction, strict waste management protocols were enforced, including on-site inspections and a zero-litter policy.
Organic waste is processed through systems powered by African night crawlers and black soldier flies, nicknamed “Eugene” and “Hermie.”
“Eugene handles raw food waste, Hermie takes care of cooked scraps,” Querubin said.
The park operates its own sewage treatment plant, which allows wastewater to be reused for irrigation and toilet flushing—an uncommon but critical investment in rural developments.
Single-use bottled water is prohibited. Instead, free hydration stations provide filtered and chlorinated spring water sourced and treated on-site. Rainwater catchment systems supplement supply.
Samala acknowledged that maintaining zero waste remains challenging during cold and rainy months. “When it’s cold, Eugene and Hermie eat less,” he said. “We had to find ways to keep them warm.”
Powered by the sun
Mt. Camisong has installed 363 solar panels capable of generating 201 kilowatts of renewable energy—enough to power both current operations and planned expansions.
Querubin described the solar installation as a long-term investment that will significantly reduce electricity costs.
EV charging stations have also been installed, although Samala said the park still relies partly on the power grid.
“Our solar panels produce maximum output only from around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” he said, adding that they are studying the feasibility of battery storage.
Redefining development
Itogon’s economy has long been tied to mining, but Mt. Camisong offers an alternative model—regenerative tourism aimed at providing livelihoods while restoring the environment.
Sixty-one percent of the park’s 195 employees come from Benguet.
“Mt. Camisong exists not just for visitors, but for our workers and the host community,” Querubin said.
Last December, the park provided free booths for vendors to offer their products.
The number of visitors have steadily increased, peaking at 3,500 in a single day, up from a previous high of 1,700 in July. The park now averages about 1,500 visitors daily, and its infrastructure can accommodate up to 7,000.
Beyond the signature Alapaap Glass Walkway, Samala said new attractions now highlight the park’s hiking trails. “We have nature trails for easy to moderate hikes, and even for more adventurous hikers,” he said.
More view decks, picnic areas, and children’s play spaces have been added.
As development continues, Querubin said the park is shifting its focus from sustainability to resilience, citing months of extreme weather caused by typhoons and monsoon rains in the latter half of last year.
“We want the younger generation to enjoy what we have now,” she said.
In a town long shaped by extractive industries, Mt. Camisong represents an ambitious—and closely watched—shift. Whether it can remain true to its promises will depend not only on its developers, but on a public willing to observe, question, and care. CS
