Letter to the Mayor of Cuenca, Batangas

Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas

Capitol Site, Batangas City

To: Mayor Lerry Endaya

Cuenca, Batangas

Dear sir/madam,

We are the senior students of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas
and as such are required to conduct a thesis in order to obtain a degree in Bachelor of
Science in Tourism. In this regard we would like to ask permission from you if we could
possibly distribute our questionnaire on our study entitled Nature Tourism in Cuenca,
Batangas ; its Implication and Preservation.

Rest assured that the information we will gather will be treated with
confidentiality and will serve only as our reference and guide in accomplishing the
required data of our thesis.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,
Areglado, Anna Abegail M.
Atienza, Stephanie Rose T.
Bacsa, Abbey NadineL.
Castillo, Llorin L.
Fainsan, Marjierose M.
Silvestre, Katrine Joy C.
Noted by:
________________________
Dr. Norma L. Meñez
Research Professor

_________________________
Mr. Mark Irvin C. Celis
Dean, CITHM
 Research Method

The research used the descriptive method in the study to determine the nature
tourism in Cuenca Batangas; its Implication and Preservation. Descriptive research
design is a valid method for researching specific subject as long as the limitation are
understood by the researcher (Shuttleworth, 2008). The purpose of descriptive research is
to describe and make interpretation about the current status or individuals, object,
settings and conditions or events. (Metler&Charles, 2005)

The respondents of the research are the residents of Cuenca, Batangas which
involves in the different activity being practiced in Cuenca, Batangas. The respondents is
composed of the local officers and the youth that is active in preserving the natural
attractions of Cuenca, Batangas. There are 70 chosen respondents for it is sufficient
enough to establish a justified study where weighted mean and ranking was tabulated..
The respondents are selected on the basis of the non probability sampling. The non
probability sampling does not involve random selection and the samples are gathered in a
process that will enable the researchers to consider the accessibility and their purposive
personal judgments. (Trochim, 2006)

Self made questionnaires were drafted by means of reading books, unpublished

theses and other related reading materials.Questionaires was utilized by the researchers
and constructed first, by developing an outline of the content of the instrument on which
it deals with the significant topic that is clearly and carefully stated.

The used of documentary analysis on the first part of the research was applied.
This is to further discuss the natural attraction of Cuenca, Batangas. The documents
coming from the municipality of Cuenca, Batangas gives us the list of their natural
attractions. The documentary focuses on the natural attraction itself and its location. To
identify Cuenca, Batangas natural attractions are to make a documentary about it.
 Nature Tourism in Cuenca, Batangas; Its Implication and Preservation

Areglado, Anna Abegail M.

Atienza, Stephanie Rose T.
Bacsa, Abbey NadineL.
Castillo, Llorin L.
Fainsan, Marjierose M.
Silvestre, Katrine Joy C.

The journal of archipelagic studies revealed that tourism as an industry is highly

conscious and affected by the archipelagic nature of the country. The Philippines is
endowed with many landscapes and seascapes which accounts for the diversity in culture,
arts, customs, and tradition that are often municipality attractions. The uniqueness of each
is highlighted in marketing blurbs as each main island seeks a niche for itself. The
parameters of tourism are far and wide reaching. From a small beginning of individuals
traveling alone in search of adventure, knowledge, trade and pilgrimage, the mass
movement of people today all over the world has given rise to a high sophisticated. Multi
disciplinary industry tourism to develop and promote tourist activities, to service tourist
facilities interactions of people and their culture, it can be a potent instrument for
achieving national integration, better international understanding and ultimately peaceful
co existence for the people of the world. (Singh; 2004)

The Philippines offers diverse tourism activities and destinations for tourists and
various inclinations. The competitive advantages of the country are its ambiance and
natural attractions that are excellent for rest and recreation. Its tropical climate is perfect
for outdoor recreational activities. Being an archipelago, the coastline of the country is
spiced up with thousands of natural coves and beaches that offer tourist great satisfaction
and relaxation. For cosmopolitan pleasures, shopping arcades, restaurants, hotels, gaming
establishments, fashion boutiques and golf courses. (Laygo; 2007)

The natural resources and lures of Batangas and its proximity to Manila has
elevated it to be the premiere province region IV and ha emerged as one of the most
sought after tourist destinations of the country today. Tourism influx in Batangas is
brought about by the hospitality and tactfulness of peaceful loving citizens of the
province aside from the normal peace and order situation in the area along with adequate
tourist facilities that cater to the needs of both domestic and international tourists.( Belen;
2006)

Cuenca, a municipality of Batangas is located in the Southern Tagalog Region.

The location of the municipality in relation to Taal Lake and the rolling to steep terrain
makes it a potential tourist area. Tourist facilities in the municipality include the grotto
and campsite near Rockies in Mt. Maculot. Other unique cultural practices are those
related with the Holy week such as Pabasa, Palm Sunday, Estacion General, Sublian,
Pasalubong and Sabugan during wedding days. (Brochure, Cuenca, Batangas; A Legacy
to its People, 2008)

In this context, the researches prompted to access the nature tourism in Cuenca,
Batangas its implication and preservation. Moreover, researches strongly believed that
getting aware on this aspect can shed light to future plan relative to the improvement of
the nature tourism in Cuenca, Batangas.

OBJECTIVES

The research will discuss the Nature Tourism in Cuenca, Batangas and its
implication and preservation. Specifically, the following are the objectives of the
research:

1. To identify the different natural attractions located in Cuenca, Batangas.

2. To determine the extent of the programs implemented in the preservation of
nature tourism.
3. To determine the implication of nature tourism in Cuenca residents.
 Results and Discussions

1. Natural Attractions in Cuenca, Batangas

Table 1
Natural attractions in Cuenca, Batangas

Natural attractions Location Features Activities

1. Mt. Maculot Brgy.Dita 949 ft. in altitude,there is a Mountaneering
Man made tunnels were forged Camping
along the mountain slopes. Hiking

2. Grotto of the Brgy. 750 ft. in altitude

Blessed Virgin Pinagkaisahan traverses the Fourteen
Mary Stations of the Cross.

3.1,500 steps Brgy. 7 Composed of 1,500

cemented steps leading
downward to Taal Lake

Table 1 revealed the different natural attraction that can be found in Cuenca,
Batangas. Some 949 ft. in altitude, Mt. Maculot is a favorite haven for mountaineers,
both local and foreign. Ideal for camping and hiking, this mountain has been the hideout
of World War II Japanese soldiers during the war. Man-made tunnels were forged along
the mountain slopes. These are found in Macatmon Plateau and in barangay Dita. The
place found could be stored and turned into a War Memorial. Another natural attraction is
the 750 ft. in altitude, the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A partially cemented
pathway that traverses the Fourteen Stations of the Cross. In Barangay 7, a 1500
cemented steps leading downward to Taal Lake could be found. In the Taal Lakeshore
area in Barangay Don Juan, is a good view of the Volcano Island. The place is ideal for
the development of beach resorts.

According to the study of Almero et al. (2005) entitled Cuenca: As a Potential

Tourist Destination they found out that the resident believed that tourism industry was
improving. The findings of Almero revealed that Mt. Maculot is the most frequently
visited tourist attraction in Cuenca, Batangaas according to their respondents.The
opportunity to engage to in unique exciting activities such as mountain climbing is a
prime tourist motivator.
 Mt. Maculot is one of the famous destinations for hikers here in Batangas.
Located at the heart of Cuenca Batangas, this mountain has been featured in several
magazines and TV shows countrywide.The climb is actually not that easy but it is worth
the effort because the mountain’s summit promises a breath taking vista of the famous
Taal Lake. The calm and serene surroundings when on the top of Maculot is certainly a
complete getaway from the stressful environs of the city. The campsite is located atop the
shoulders of Mt. Maculot. Acoording to campers and hikers, winds could go from strong
to moderate depending on the wheather. At night, blankies could keep hikers safe and
warm from the blow of chilly cold winds. Near the campsite is one of the mountain’s
attraction called “rockies”. It’s a popular vantage-point for viewing the Taal lake. The
other side of this “rockies” is a 500 meter vertical wall, which leads all the way down to
the lake . (Cuenca, Batangas ;A Legacy to its People, 2008)
2. Possible Ways of Preserving Nature Tourism as perceived by its Residents.

Table 2
Preserving Nature Tourism

Ways of Preservation WM VI Rank

1. Clean Up Drive 3.23 Implemented 3
2. Tree Planting 3.31 Implemented 1
3. Clean and Green Project 3.20 Implemented 4.5
4. Forest Preservation 3.26 Implemented 2
5. Kalat Mo, Linis Mo Program 3.20 Implemented 4.5
6. Waste Disposal 3.03 Implemented 6
Grand mean 3.21 Implemented

Table 2 revealed the presentation of different measures on preserving nature

tourism. As it shows, tree planting got the highest weighted mean of (3.31) for being
implemented followed by Forest Preservation with (3.26) and Clean Up Drive
(3.23),Clean and Green Project and Kalat Mo Linis Mo Program is equal having the
weighted mean of (3.20) and last in the rank is the Waste Disposal with a weighted mean
of (3.03).

It was revealed that there are different programs being implemented in Cuenca,
Batangas. Conservation of natural resources is now usually embraced in the broader
conception of conserving the earth itself by protecting its capacity for self-renewal
Current thinking also favors the protection of entire ecological regions by the creation of
"biosphere reserves. (Belen, 2006)

Devices such as carbon taxes and credits, premium prices for certified, eco-
friendly products, and even direct payments to the communities that live in globally
significant conservation areas are under consideration.(Onaga,2002)

It is expected to have two main outcomes: enhancing nature conservation and

providing social and economic gains for local people. The idea is that through
community-based activities, local people will benefit, thus will be more likely to support
it.(Vi Sa Tu, 2003)
3. Implication of Having Nature Tourism to its Residents

Table 3
Implication of Having Nature Tourism to its Residents

Implication to its Residents WM VI Rank

1. Gives Extra Income to the Residents 3.24 Agree 2.5
2. Upgrade Social Condition 3.70 Strongly Agree 1
3. Employment Opportunities 3.03 Agree 8
4. Improve Standard of Living 3.19 Agree 5
5. Fostering Friendship 3.23 Agree 4
6. Camaraderie to the Community 3.11 Agree 6
7. Promoting Peace and Order 3.24 Agree 2.5
8. Investment and Development 3.07 Agree 7
Grand mean 3.23 Agree
===============================================================

Table 3 presents the Implication of having Nature Tourism to its residents. From
the table, the respondents strongly agree in Upgrading Social Condition (3.70). However,
they agree equally in Giving Extra Income to the Residents (3.24) and Promoting Peace
and Order (3.24). They rated agree also in Fostering Friendship (3.23), Improve Standard
of living (3.19), Camaraderie to the Community (3.11), Investment and Development.

According to the study of Sumaray, parras, Ramos and Calangi et al. (1997) were
deemed related to the present investigation since tourism is one of the driving powers of
Barangay Sabang in Puerto,Galera to attain developments. The nature tourism has a great
contribution to the economic growth and of course many people were given the a chance
to have their employment to use their talents, skills and abilities.

Ramos et. al. in their ‘Tourism Industry in subic Bay’s Report and economic zone
it’s Socio Economic Impact on Subic Bay’s Growth and Developments (1998) found out
that economic and social growth are some effects of Tourism industry through
encouraging local and foreign investments creating employment opportunity and helping
in the creation of other business related industry, enhance people awareness and national
and international friendship maintained.

According to Anonuevo in their “Hospitality Industry in Puerto Galera as

perceived by its residents” (2000) The economic benefits of tourism are deniable. The
most visible benefit of tourism is employment. Many jobs would not exist if tourism have
not been developed. The findings showed that there are chances of employment
opportunities when it comes to nature tourism with the boom of tourism industry.
 Bibliography

Andrews, Sudhir. Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited, 2007.

Belen, Ivy. et al. “A Potential Tourist Destination in Batangas Province”.

Unpublished thesis, Lyceum of Batangas, March 2006.

Batungbacal, Jay. Archipelagic Studies. UP Systemwide Network on

Archipelagic and Ocean Studies, 2001.

Fennell, David. Tourism Ethics. Viva Books Private Limited, 2006.

Goeldner, Charles & Ritchie, Nigel. Tourism Principles, Practices

and Philosophies, 10th Ed. Wiley India, August 2007.

http://pnmsadventures.multiply.com/journal

http://www.angelfire.com/mt/red/html

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com

http://www.yahoo.com

Laygo, Ma. Donna Paula. et al. “Taal: Potential Tourist Destination”.

Unpublished thesis, Lyceum of Batangas, 2007.

Libosada, Carlos & Bosangit, Carmela. Introduction to Tourism.

Anvil Publishing, 2007.

Ritchie, Nigel & Goeldner, Charles. Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Research:
A Handbook For Managers and Researchers. John Wiley & Sons, 2000.

Roberts, John. Marketing for the Hospitality Industry.

Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited, 2000.

Walker, John. Introduction to Hospitality. Pearson Education (Singapore)

Pte Ltd., 2008.
Nature Tourism of Cuenca, Batangas; Its Implication and Preservation

A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of the
College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management
Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Tourism

By:

Areglado, Anna Abegail M.

Atienza, Stephanie Rose T.
Bacsa, Abbey NadineL.
Castillo, Llorin L.
Fainsan, Marjierose M.
Silvestre, Katrine Joy C.

March 2010
 Dedication

To our family, we would like to offer our deepest devotion for they had given us
more than what we wanted. They had always been instrumental in our success.They are
the reasons of our existence.

To our friends, we would like to share our success for aspiring us to make the
study possible.

To all our classmates and loved ones for giving us the inspiration to handle
difficulties while conducting this study.

Lastly, to Almighty God, for giving us the talent, strength and unity for we
believe that all the best things that happen to us come from Him. We just want to give
back a little of the best in us.

Anna
Steph
Ahby
Llorin
Marj
Katrine
 Acknowledgement

We would like to express our deepest gratitude appreciation for the support and
encouragement of the following persons for their continuous guidance and understanding
towards the completion of the study.

To our parents, brothers and sisters for their genuine love, financial and moral
support in all aspect of the researches life.

To Dr. Norma Menez, our thesis adviser for the guidance, patience, constructive
criticism and intelligent suggestions all throughout the conduct of the study.

To the Municipal officers of Cuenca, Batangas especially to their local Tourism

officials for giving us permission to conduct a study in their place, for giving us
information about the nature tourism in Cuenca .

To the respondents, for their time and cooperation in answering our

questionnaires honestly and to their hospitality to the researchers.

To our Dean, Mr. Mark Irvin Celis and all the panelist for their insights and help
towards the completion of this study.

The Researchers
 Mt. Maculot is one of the famous destinations for hikers here in Batangas.
Located at the heart of Cuenca Batangas, this mountain has been featured in several
magazines and TV shows countrywide.The climb is actually not that easy but it is worth
the effort because the mountain’s summit promises a breath taking vista of the famous
Taal Lake. The calm and serene surroundings when on the top of Maculot is certainly a
complete getaway from the stressful environs of the city. The campsite is located atop the
shoulders of Mt. Maculot. Acoording to campers and hikers, winds could go from strong
to moderate depending on the wheather. At night, blankies could keep hikers safe and
warm from the blow of chilly cold winds. Near the campsite is one of the mountain’s
attraction called “rockies”. It’s a popular vantage-point for viewing the Taal lake. The
other side of this “rockies” is a 500 meter vertical wall, which leads all the way down to
the lake . (Cuenca, Batangas ;A Legacy to its People, 2008)