ECOTOURISM IN JAGNA BOHOL:

ASSESSING ITS EFFECTIVITY AS A BASIS OF SUSTAINABLE

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN

A Study Presented to the

Faculty of STI College Cebu

In Partial Fulfillment for the

Subject Practical Research 2

Abulag, Marielou
Colindong, Mayriel
Ong, Nazrah Emily Jheyl

TOURISM OPERATIONS 12
 CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 Background of the Study

The tourism industry is recognized by the government as an important

contributor in creating plans to the growth of the country’s output. It deserves to be a top

priority for national development because of it is a powerful and efficient industry; its

impact on social development is broad and deep, it creates strong peripheral benefits, and

it helps maintains cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and

life support systems. Tourism holds the promise of sustainability particularly for the local

areas. Yet, sustainable tourism development is faced by the challenge of an “industry built

upon the most fragile of natural and cultural environments,” where the most unintended

and innocent of human gestures can harm on-site resources. Tourism industry have become

more aware of the negative environmental and social costs associated with tourism

development; thus, the Philippines began to recognize the need to adapt new development

approaches such as “ecotourism” in order to come up with tourist products that are

environmentally sensitive and economically viable.

According to TIES (2015), ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel

to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people,

and involves interpretation and education. ”Ecotourism is about uniting conservation,

communities, and sustainable travel. It also provides effective economic incentives for

conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity. It also has an emphasis on enriching

personal experiences and environmental awareness through interpretation; ecotourism

promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture.
 In the whole island of Bohol, Jagna is said to be rich in terms of ecotourism.

Jagna,Bohol is blessed with many tourist attractions, dive sites, religious and historical

sites.The beauty of the beach and the surroundings is indeed very much capable of

attracting tourists, leading to the generation of income that will be beneficial to the entire

community of Jagna Bohol. In this regard, the following research study aims to examine

and deepened the factual information about the place potentiality as an ecotourism

destination that will bring pride to the country and to the tourism industry to attract and

gain more tourist.The research setting selected for the purpose of this study is the residence

in Jagna,Bohol.The researchers wants to propose an action plan for the formulation of

tourism development for Jagna,Bohol and the paper also makes some recommendations to

develop sustainability through ecotourism and for the future research connected to this

topic.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The primary aim of this research study is to assess the effects of ecotourism in

Jagna,Bohol with the support of tourism plans as basis on its effectivity. Residence

living in Jagna,Bohol is the research setting for this purpose as they are the ones who

resides in this place. This is conducted by the Tourism Operation students at STI

College Cebu S.Y 2019-2020.In this regard, this study concentrate on the sustainable

development of Jagna,Bohol with the help of ecotourism development plan.

 Therefore, it sought the following questions:

♥ What are the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, civil

status, highest educational attainment, family income and years of residency in Jagna?

♥ How does ecotourism affect Jagna, Bohol in terms of environmental, economical

and socio-cultural?

♥Why is it important to have tourism development plan in different places?

♥ What will be the outcome of ecotourism in Jagna in allocating works in having a

sensible progress?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

♦ To describe the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender,

civil status, highest educational attainment, family income and years of residency in Jagna

♦ To determine the effects of ecotourism in Jagna in terms of environmental,

economical and socio-cultural.

♦ To know the importance of tourism development plan in developing the market of

Jagna as a tourist destination and ecotourism spot.

♦ To create an insight about what will be the possible outcome of ecotourism in

Jagna in allocating works in having a sensible progress.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will redound and benefits the following:

◊ Residence

Considering that they play a role in which the collections of data will come from

them, they will make them realize how useful and beneficial this study can give to their

place especially to them, as well as to continue making works in helping and enhancing

ecotourism towards development in Jagna Bohol.

◊ Local Government Unit

The findings of this study will help to improve their plan and programs of

sustainable tourism development in the formulation of their local tourism development

plans to give more regards to the conservation and preservation of ecotourism in Jagna

Bohol to attract more tourist and to achieve a better quality of life.

◊ Tourist

It will increase their motivational factor in visiting and experiencing the beauty of

Jagna,Bohol knowing that there are more plans for the place’ tourism towards

development.

◊ Tourism Student

The result will provide them realization about the topic and apply it someday soon.

◊ Researchers

Through this research they will become more knowledgable about this topic in order

for them to be successful in conducting future research.

1.5 Hypothesis

H0: There is nothing else to do in improving the ecotourism of Jagna,Bohol in

achieving sustainable development.

H1: There are more things to do in improving the ecotourism of Jagna,Bohol in

achieving sustainable development.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

For this study, the focus is on the effect of ecotourism in Jagna Bohol with the

support of tourism plan. The participants of the study were only 50 residents that serve as

the respondents from the five Barangay of Jagna particularly Barangay Datag, Balila ,

Ilawd, Can-ucso and Sawang . They were chosen using purposive sampling procedure

wherein the researchers will distributing a survey questionnaire as they will be able to give

their opinions and insights about the questions related to the study. This research study is

conducted only by the Tourism Student in STI College Cebu for year 2019-2020.

1.7 Definition of Terms

∆Effectivity is the degree to which objectives are achieved and the extent to which targeted

problems are solved.

∆Tourism is the act of traveling and staying in a place outside an individual's usual

environment for a duration of less than one year for any purpose, including, leisure,

business, and education.

∆Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the

environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and

education.

∆Tourism Industry includes all the businesses responsible for attracting tourists to the

destinations and managing the tours. It also includes the auxiliary businesses that directly

or indirectly facilitate the tourists' transport and accommodations.

∆Tourism Development can be defined as the policies that attract tourists, allow and

facilitate the tourism industry to grow while minimizing its negative impacts on the society

and environment

∆Tourism Development Plan is a plan that outlines how a location will serve visitors,

adapt to their growing numbers, and protect local cultures and environments in a

sustainable manner.

∆Sustainability is a kind of development that satisfies the needs of the present without

adversely affecting the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs.

∆Sustainable Development is the organizing principle for meeting human development

goals while simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural

resources and ecosystem services which the economy and society depend.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The name Jagna was, according to historical records, derived from legendary

vernacular exclamation “ni hagna na”. The tale started from the usual occurrence at the

mouth of a small river which is already dried up now but whose actual traces of real

existence are still visible beyond doubt. At the mouth of the river was a hole or cave-in of

considerable depth and size. Such condition of the river led the early inhabitants to call it

as “Boho River”. The river used to abound with so much fish called “tigue” in the local

dialect. When the school of that particular fish played on the surface of the water, such part

seemed to appear like coconut oil boiling in a frying pan. And whenever the people saw

the sizzling surface of the water caused by the movement of the fish, they used to remark

“ni hagna na”, meaning the oil being cooked is almost done. Therefore, from this common

expression of the villagers evolved the present name of the town “JAGNA”

The earliest documentation of Jagna went back to as early as March 15, 1565

when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived on its shores and had his flagship “San Pedro”

repaired along Jagna bay. Subsequent records showed that as early as 1596, the Jesuits

(Society of Jesus) started their work in San Miguel de Hagna and the Recollect historian

Licinio Ruiz wrote that the Jesuit priest Jose Sanchez founded the parish and town

simultaneously on September 29, 1631 with Saint Michael Archangel as its patron saint.
 Jagna is located on the southern coast of Bohol. is a bustling port town situated 63.1

kilometers from Tagbilaran City. It is a 3rd class municipality of Bohol with a land area

covering 12,063 hectares and a population of 33,892 according to the 2015 census. Jagna

is politically subdivided into 33 barangays and most of the inhabitants of Jagna are

Catholics. In fact, the massive stone Jagna Church is one of the attractions of the town, and

lies alongside the national highway. The church is wide and beautiful with frescoes in its

ceilings.

Jagna comprises the 5A’s in tourism namely the attractions, accessibility, activities,

amenities and ancillary services. As most towns of Bohol, is blessed with natural and

beautiful land formations, waterfalls, caves, beaches and more. Most of these attractions

are yet unexplored and untouched and known only to the immediate inhabitants of the town

and fellow Boholanos lucky enough to have traversed its domain that need to be discovered

and develop through tourism plan.

Attractions:

Kinahugan Falls situated on a hill at Karap-agan, the falls is only a kilometer away from

Cabungaan Elementary School. It is composed of three (3) falls: one in the center, one at

its northern side and another at its southern side. The three falls are beautiful beyond words

and a perfect place to experience especially for the adventurous travelers.

Tubod Spring located in Lonoy and called as “hidden gem”. It has pristine waters that

flow from the "Tubod" or source spring.

According to the locals, there are five springs around and these are the source of drinking

water to the people of Lonoy getting it from the "tubod". At present , this cold spring in the

highlands of Lonoy is the best destination during warm and summer time.

Can-Uba Beach where can be found in Can-uba. Instead of white sand, what Can-uba

beach has are fine stones that are so good for the feet. It is very therapeutic like having a

free foot massage at the beach and crystal clear water where a good spot to chill and relax.

Luinab Rice Terraces Occupying a total land area of fifty hectares, the rice terraces are

carved out from two mountains and is very picturesque especially a few months after the

planting season when more shoots have grown forming a verdant carpet that descend from

the mountain tops. When the grains have ripened and the fields turned into a golden brown

carpet, the effect is different yet still very beautiful to look at.

Mayana Peak Mayana is a Barangay of Jagna which lies 17 kilometers from the town

proper. With an elevation of 820 meters above sea level, the climate here is very cold.It is

the highest peak in Bohol.The cold climate makes it ideal for growing ornamental plants

and vegetables. In fact, the place is known for its fresh cut flowers. Rice paddies formed

into terraces are also a common sight in the area.

This following are some of the attractions that has the potential to grow and worth

discovering. From this time, it’s not yet develop but with the help of tourism plan there is

something the researchers can do to make it a develop one that will help Jagna to become

more well-known.
Accesibility:

Jagna is located on the southern coast of Bohol. It is one of the commercial trading

centers of the province with daily market and port operation and it is a port town. Ferries

travel daily to and from other islands. Routes to Mindanao are available via Cagayan de

Oro and Butuan. The island of Camiguin is visible from Jagna and a ferry operates from

Jagna to the port of Balbagon in peak season. The available land transportations in Jagna

to move from one place to another are habal-habal and rela with a fair from 10-50 if you’re

going to travel within the area but in going to city, riding vans and buses are applicable and

has a fare ranging from 60-100.

Activities:

The highlight activity in Jagna is to celebrate festivities with utmost vigor, party

like there’s no tomorrow. In honor and revel the culture to the highest level of pride, they

annually celebrates Jagna Calamay Festival in celebrating the culture, history and

sweetness of what is Jagna know for, the Calamay. A gigantic inflatable calamay was

installed at the town plaza. Its enormous size perfectly reflected the grandiose way the

Jagnaanons proudly honor the delicacy that enriched their culture, improved their

livelihoods, and placed them in the world map. Jagna also celebrates its Sinoog Estokada

Festival every 29th of September annually honoring the town patron, St. Michael the

Archangel. The Sinoog Estokada Festival started in 2001 which is the revised and

improved version of the Sinu-og Festival. The festival is a native war dance portraying

good versus evil through rhythmic marching and movements following the beat of the

drums.
Amenities:

Jagna is also productive in terms of accommodations, facilities and tourism

services.In fact there is upcoming opening of grandest hotel in Jagna named 850

hotel.There are different places for accommodations and facilitites in Jagna like resorts,

pension house, inns and lodges. Also some spas to feel relax and most especially a lot of

souvenirs and delicacies for pasalubong knowing Jagna has a port where tourists come and

go.

Ancillary Services:

Municipality in Jagna is open for welcoming and building ancillary services which

they think will create a big impact to tourism. At present days, 3 banks were in Jagna

namely Metro Bank,FCB and Land Bank. For telecommunication, Cruztelco is present and

for health facilities caring for the welfare of people, LIM Community Hospital and Teodoro

Galagar Hospital are nearby.

All of the mention above were some of the factors to consider in sustaining tourism

development in Jagna especially the ecotourism as the greatest strength of Jagnaanons.

According to the study if Bijendir Punia (1999) in his study on Problems and Prospects of

Tourism in Haryana, has highlighted the importance of elements like

attractions,accessibility,attitude of host populations,availability of man-power resources

and the planning expertise in tourism development in any area,region,state or country

As stated by the study of Santosh Thampi (2001) ecotourism came into prominence

as a strategy for reconciling conservation with development in ecologically areas.

 Tourism is a highly complex activity and thus requires tools to assist in effective

decision making to come to terms with the competing economic, social, and environmental

demands of sustainable development (Fadahunsi, 2011). It is often perceived as a tool for

promoting sustainable development in developing countries. Ecotourism helps in

community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local

community which is more sustainable. Many view ecotourism as a viable way to protect

the natural environment and create social and economic benefits for local communities.

Ecotourism encompasses a spectrum of nature-based activities that foster visitor

appreciation and understanding of natural and cultural heritage and are managed to be

ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. Therefore, ecotourism is accepted as

an alternative type of sustainable development. Ecotourism has attracted increasing

attention in recent years, not only as an alternative to mass tourism, but also as a means to

promote a country’s economic development and environmental conservation. Its aim is to

conserve resources, especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of

resources, which can bring ecological experience to travelers, conserve the ecological

environment and gain (Bansal & Kumar, 2011; Godratollah et al., 2011; Tewodros, 2010).

Medina (2005) explains that a criterion for sustainable tourism should include

indicators of social and economic sustainability adding up to indicators of environmental

sustainability. In addition, Wall (1997) has argued that for tourism to contribute to

sustainable development it must be economically viable, environmentally sensitive and

culturally appropriate, and the forms that this might take are likely to vary with location.
 According to Rome (1999); Ecotourism is one strategy for supporting

conservation and providing income for communities in and around protected areas. It can

contribute to economic development and conservation of protected areas by: a) generating

revenues that can be used to sustainably manage protected areas, b) providing local

employment and c) inculcating a sense of community ownership. However, without careful

planning and management that balance ecological, social, and economic objectives, it may

lead to environmental damage. Furthermore, envisioned as a positive approach towards

sustainable development, unplanned or poorly planned and implemented tourism can have

serious negative effects, offsetting the benefits it was designed to provide. Even the

potential local benefits of ecotourism can lead to environmental damage to a protected area.

Through the idea that being conceptualize by these literatures, it plays a

significate portion of the study as it creates impact and evidences that ecotourism has an

integral role in improving tourism in a place. Many factors to be considered of having a

productive ecotourism in order for the betterment and stability of one designated area.

Pertaining its effectivity means a lot in a way that it helps to determine in minimizing

impact of negative factors and maximizing and generating sustainable growth. By

assessing the highs and lows in relating to ecotourism and providing the principles and

concepts to be practiced, the local government can produce a tourism plan as a management

of all resources that would be a great change in meeting the needs and wants of the tourists

and host community in protecting the opportunities for the future ecotourism while

maintaining and enhancing its sustainability. In a way, it is also promoting the community

development high capability in marketing the area and results for ecotourism development.
 CHAPTER III

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

3.1 Methodology

The study attempts at assessing the effectivity as a basis of sustainable tourism

plan of ecotourism in Jagna Bohol towards growth and progress. In this regard, a

quantitative research and survey method is being applied to develop an insight into the

distinct features of ecotourism and its effectiveness in current scenario. The quantitative

method being applied in this study involves developing an understanding of description

provided by others in form of their views and opinions which are relevant to the research

question. In this regard, a survey method which is an interview type comprising the 50

residence as respondents particularly in Jagna, Bohol as the sample population, a survey

method which is an interview type was undertaken in an attempt to contemplate the views

of these people in relation to the study. Casual interviews through the use of technology as

a tool in able to communicate and disseminating the questionnaire with the respondents

from Jagna were employed by the researchers to gather feedbacks and overviews of the

recent situations and trends regarding the ecotourism of Jagna. The insights that are likely

to developed from the critical thinking of respondents are expected to highlight the

impediments and distinctive features relating to the ecotourism sector of Jagna Bohol.

Therefore, the data that is being gathered and collected serves as the sum up findings that

were being analyzed on what will be the result that concludes the study.
 3.2 Research Design

The application of descriptive method in an attempt to know the effectivity of

ecotourism in Jagna, Bohol has gained momentum and increasingly undertaken by the

researchers and corresponding sample populations. Therefore, this structure is capable of

covering all the points of research study comprising of proper discussion of technique

applied in relation to the sustainability of ecotourism and related contexts. This study will

make use of quantitative method approach where the aim is to assess and search for results

or to develop understanding through empirical studies, generating rich descriptions or

collecting materials, which may become subject to interpretation and hence, inductive

research approach is applied so as to add up to the flexibility of research process. This

approach will create a relation from observations to broader generalization as the research

activity will progress.

In totality the research design is anticipated to emphasize on the critical

determinants of ecotourism growth of Jagna,Bohol with the help of effective functioning

of the place implementations and tourism development plan.

3.3 Locale of the Study

The researchers have decided to conduct their study to the residences and local

government unit in Municipality of Jagna, Bohol located at Poblacion Jagna Bohol.With

the strong capability to answer the given questionnaire as they are the one whose relating

to the study, they can help the researchers answer some questions and interviews as to seek

inputs regarding the intricacies of Ecotourism in Jagna Bohol knowing they are the ones

whose living there and have an idea of the progression in maintaining its sustainability.
The questionnaire will be given to the respondents who are residing in Jagna Bohol seeking

for their opinions and views regarding the research problem. For this purpose, a research

question has been formed stressing on discovering about the effectivity of ecotourism in

Jagana Bohol towards its sustainability. Proper attention has been done to the clarity of

content of questionnaire so that the respondents do not have to face any hassle while

answering them. Researchers choose this as the locale of the study because they believed

that through the presence of the respective respondents, they will be able to give knowledge

and ideas to the researchers regarding on their study which may serve as a guide for them

on their future research paper.