Danao City launches the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark
today, with its official opening scheduled for August 29, 2024. This marks a significant step
forward in the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and community-led development.

Situated in the serene coastal enclave of Sitio Tawsan, Barangay Guinsay, the Tawsan
Mangrove Forest Ecopark, named after the phrase “Tawo sa Hunasan,” is the result of years of
dedication by the City Government of Danao in collaboration with the Tawsan Guinsay
Fishermen’s Association. This ecological sanctuary not only highlights the rich natural
resources of the area, but also symbolizes the community’s rich fishing heritage and dedication
to preserving the environment.

 
The ecopark is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is ₱25, with an
additional ecological fee of ₱15, though Danao City residents are exempt from the ecological
fee. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience, with kayaking available for those eager to
personally navigate the six different routes and trails within the 74-hectare mangrove forest.
The longest of these trails stretches up to 2 kilometers, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to
complete. The total length of all the routes combined is approximately 8.9 kilometers.

 
The tour guides, all from the Tawsan community, are trained by the City Government through
the City Tourism Office, ensuring that visitors receive an authentic and informative experience.
In addition to the breathtaking views, visitors can also savor the unique flavors of Tawsan. The
specialties are prepared by the Tawsan community, using ingredients sustainably harvested
from the mangrove ecosystem. These dishes, which showcase the area’s rich culinary heritage,
are perfected through a recent culinary workshop by the City Government and have now
become a proud part of the ecopark’s unique offerings.

 
Following the launch of the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark, the city also holds a blessing
and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly developed ‘Senior Citizen’s Park’ and ‘Tourism
Information Center and Souvenir Shop’. The Senior Citizen’s Park, built with a budget of ₱1
million, offers a tranquil environment for the elderly, while the Tourism Information Center
and Souvenir Shop, constructed at a cost of ₱495,000, serve as gateways for visitors to learn
more about Danao’s rich history and bring home a piece of the city.

 
The development of the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark itself is backed by a ₱3.5 million
budget, highlighting the city’s significant investment in sustainable tourism. Future
developments for the ecopark include the construction of an extensive walkpath for those who
prefer not to kayak, as well as a floating restaurant that will offer another unique way to
experience the mangrove environment.

 
Beyond these developments, Danao City is preparing to launch the Danao City Walk Tour in
the coming days. This tour will feature 12 pinned heritage sites, offering visitors an immersive
journey through the city’s unique blend of history and cultural significance, further cementing
Danao as a must-visit destination in Cebu. Additionally, the city is excited to announce the
upcoming opening of the Museo de Danao next year, which will further enrich the city’s
cultural offerings and showcase its historical treasures.

 
For now, those interested in experiencing the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark are
encouraged to book online through the Danao City Tourism Facebook Page. The park is not
yet open for walk-ins, ensuring a well-organized and personalized experience for every guest.
As Danao City continues to grow as a tourist destination, it remains steadfast in its values of
sustainability, inclusivity and community-involvement, ensuring that every development
benefits the local community and preserves the natural beauty that makes Danao unique, HERE
AND NOW.

 
“These projects would create a sustainable and lasting impact to the economic activity of our
city. It has to be done at the locality itself to stimulate local growth, to provide a new market
for local businesses and entrepreneurs, to provide an avenue for the development of local
talents and skills. It should be cost-efficient so that the return of investment becomes an
achievable and time-bound goal.

 
We must put to mind that the community must reap all the rewards, the people must be front
and center. Ang kasing-kasing sa turismo kay ang katawhan mismo.”- Danao City Mayor Hon.
Thomas Mark ‘Mix’ Durano