The municipality of San Remigio in Antique is setting its sights on transforming into a premier Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) destination within the next decade, anchored on an ambitious plan to expand its forest cover and strengthen eco-tourism development.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Ruth Martinez said the local government currently maintains about 29 percent forest cover, but is working toward increasing this to 60 percent as part of its long-term ecological and development strategy.
Martinez said the expanded forest cover will serve as the municipality’s ecological foundation, supporting water security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
“As a premier LOHAS destination, San Remigio envisions a thriving landscape of natural forests, assisted natural regeneration areas, agroforestry systems, and community-managed woodlands,” Martinez said.
To help reach the target, the local government has introduced a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme, providing incentives to upland communities that actively protect and expand forest areas.
The municipality has also established a “forest library” on an 18-hectare timberland site in partnership with the Energy Development Corporation, which serves as both a conservation and learning hub for forest restoration efforts.
In addition, San Remigio signed a multi-partite agreement in November 2025 with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the University of the Philippines, and the University of Antique for the establishment of a bird-watching area and research center at the Aningalan Experimental Forest.
The agreement also includes the Haribon Foundation, the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., Hayahay sa Ambon Inc., and local resort owners, who committed to supporting technical work and integrating LOHAS principles into eco-tourism offerings.
Martinez emphasized that San Remigio’s development direction goes beyond infrastructure expansion, focusing instead on ecological balance and sustainability.
“San Remigio will become a place where progress is measured not by concrete laid, but by forests restored, waters renewed, and lives enriched,” she said.
The municipality is positioning itself as a model for nature-based development, blending conservation, tourism, and community participation in its long-term growth agenda.IMT
