ALAMINOS CITY–Visitors to the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) can now enjoy kayaking around its 123 islets.

The new activity springs from a project initiated by the New Zealand government with the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the city government.

The kayaking program was turned over this week to the Hundred Islands Eco-Tours Association, Inc. (HEITA), a community-based organization involved in the city’s tourism industry.

Mayor Hernani Braganza urged the HEITA officers and members to sustain the kayaking project during the turnover over event that coincided with the blessing of the new office of HEITA.

Braganza noted that as a community and family- based initiative, the kayaking project serves as an alternative income source, particularly for the out-of-school youth.

“We really appreciate this gift given to our people. More importantly, kayaking in the Hundred Islands will definitely enhance the natural beauty of the park, “Braganza said.

Kayaking complements the bird watching and snorkeling eco-tourism activities around the islands.

Tourist arrivals at the HINP have significantly increased over the last two years, translating to an increase in the city’s revenues.

The park registered a P4.7 million income in 2006, and in the first five months of this year, revenue has reached about P5 million, of which P 1.7 million was derived from the P20 ticket entrance sales.

Braganza said the number is expected to double or triple once the Pangasinan airport project, which was announced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address, is completed.

Director Rolando Canizal of the Office of Tourism Development Planning Director lauded the Braganza administration’s eco-tourism thrust and its efforts in regaining the old magic of the Hundred Islands. #

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