RP's largest eco-tourism park opens in Batangas

SM Investments Corp. on Thursday launched the Philippine's largest eco-tourism project, the 5,700-hectare Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. In a statement distributed to the press, SM Investments, the holding firm of the Philippines’ richest man Henry Sy, said that Hamilo Coast combines two of the most promising industries in the country today- tourism and real estate development. The company has earlier said it would set aside P5 billion over the next five years for the development of Hamilo Coast’s first phase, Cutad Cove. The whole Hamilo Coast development is composed of 13 natural coves of varying shapes and sizes. It is a two-hour drive from the country’s capital, Manila. “Our goal is to encourage key stakeholders—such as the government and the private sector—to take part of the tourism development initiatives of our country. Our globally competitive tourism-real estate destination will then hopefully put us on the map," SM Investments executive vice president Josefino C. Lucas said in the statement. “We are providing the infrastructure to serve as a catalyst for the development of tourism in areas where we believe it will prosper," Lucas added. Hamilo Coast’s developments include low-density residential condominiums and neighborhoods, resort hotels, marine sanctuaries, a forest park and country clubs with various sports and leisure facilities. To ensure the eco-tourism park’s ecological sustainability, SM Investments partnered with environmental group WWF-Philippines in the development of Hamilo Coast’s structures. SM Investments said Hamilo Coast is the first community in the country designed for ecological sustainability. “Hamilo Coast’s partnership with WWF-Philippines reveals brand leadership on three critical areas: responsible stewardship of their natural base, transparency and accountability and providing their customers with an enhanced product," WWF-Philippines president Lory Tan said in the SM Investments statement.-GMANews.TV