NEWSFLASH

ECO-TOOURISM ZONE TO RISE IN NUEVA ECIJA

Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, June 22, 2000 - Vast forest land in the municipality of Laur, Palayan City and Fort Magsaysay will be converted into the Nueva Ecija Eco-Tourism Zone (NEETZ), based on the master plan being completed by local government officials and a world-famous developer.

Roberto Bolinao, city planning and development coordinator, said an initial study has already been undertaken preparatory to the completion of NEETZ masterplan.

"An aerial tour was made on the 13,000- hectare inside the sprawling military reservation," Bolinao said.

The plan includes the establishment of 18 eco-tourism projects in the Sierra Madre mountain range, consisting primarily of a mountain resort housing a presidential mansion, a governor's mansion, a mayor's mansion, a convention center, a resort hotel and a 250-hectare wide 18-hole golf course.

Laur hosts the famous Mainit hot spring which, according to Mayor Blas Canlas, is a "favorite hideaway of both local and foreign visitors."

The military reservation boasts of the Pahingahan Dam, and the highest mountain peak in the area, Taclang Damulag. Bolinao added that the city government is pushing for the establishment of a provincial zoo and wildlife sanctuary, an orchidarium, a shooting range and demonstration farms.