By Nimfa L. Estrellado Provincial and municipal leaders accompany Sen. JV Ejercito during inspections of key tourism areas in Northern Quezo...
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| Provincial and municipal leaders accompany Sen. JV Ejercito during inspections of key tourism areas in Northern Quezon as part of efforts to strengthen regional tourism development. (Municipal Government of Infanta) |
INFANTA, Quezon — INFANTA, Quezon — Tourism development in Northern Quezon was the focus of discussions during an official visit by Senator JV Ejercito on Monday, February 16, 2026. He toured the municipalities of Infanta, General Nakar, and Real to assess tourism potential and consult with local officials on development priorities for the region.
The visit comes amid continuing efforts to expand tourism growth beyond established destinations and into emerging coastal and rural areas. Local officials have identified Northern Quezon as a priority for infrastructure support and long-term tourism planning because of its coastal location and natural attractions.
Quezon Governor Dr. Helen Tan led the delegation, joined by Infanta Mayor L.A. Ruanto, General Nakar Mayor Alfredo Pujeda, and Real Mayor Julie Ann Orozco Macasaet, reflecting coordination between provincial and municipal leaders. The joint meetings underscored the need for aligned provincial and municipal strategies in advancing tourism development across the northern district.
During the consultations, officials cited the need for road upgrades to improve access to tourism sites and stronger environmental safeguards to protect coastal and forest areas. They also emphasized the importance of supporting community-based tourism programs that involve local residents and generate income for small businesses.
Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Tourism, said field visits help him understand local conditions and identify where national support may be most effective. He stressed that close coordination with local government units is necessary to ensure that tourism growth remains orderly, responsible, and sustainable.
He also expressed support for projects aimed at improving tourism facilities, public infrastructure, and access roads in the three municipalities. He reiterated his commitment to healthcare services, noting that he authored the Universal Health Care Act to help improve public services alongside economic growth.
To complement the policy discussions, the senator conducted site inspections to personally assess road conditions and existing tourism facilities. The inspection included a motorcycle tour with members of several bikers’ clubs, allowing him to travel along major routes and selected destinations across the municipalities.
Among the areas visited were the Mangrove Park in Infanta, mountain and coastal sections of General Nakar, and Balagbag Falls in Real. These locations represent some of the established and emerging attractions in the northern part of the province.
Northern Quezon is situated along the eastern coastline of the province facing the Philippine Sea, giving it direct access to Pacific waters. Its location also makes it a gateway to the Polillo Group of Islands and other nearby coastal destinations.
The municipalities support fishing, agriculture, and small tourism-related enterprises that provide income to many families in coastal and upland communities. Public markets, transport services, food vendors, and small accommodations benefit from both regular commerce and seasonal visitor activity.
The area features beaches, waterfalls, and mangrove sites that attract visitors, along with fishing communities that sustain local livelihoods in coastal barangays. Tourism and fishing remain among the primary sources of income in these towns, particularly in shoreline areas.
Infanta serves as a commercial center in northern Quezon and provides port access to nearby island destinations in Polillo. The town also hosts government offices, schools, markets, and transport terminals that serve surrounding communities.
Governor Tan and the municipal mayors thanked the senator for visiting the province and reviewing local tourism conditions firsthand. They emphasized that continued cooperation between national and local governments is essential to support tourism development and economic growth in Northern Quezon.
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