By Rachel Magday

 

N UEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The ₱25-million Skyport Project in the town of Ambaguio is set to commence in the coming days, marking a major step in Nueva Vizcaya’s efforts to develop paragliding and adventure tourism.

Ambaguio secured ₱20 million after winning the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Champions Challenge in 2024 while an additional ₱5 million was provided by the Office of the President for the project.

DOT Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano announced the impending start of the project during a recent meeting of the Provincial Tourism Council chaired by Ruth R. Padilla.

Miano said the project’s implementation followed the completion of key technical requirements, including the detailed engineering design and the Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The certificate was required because the Skyport will be constructed in the mountainous area of Ambaguio. The project will be implemented by the DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, or TIEZA.

The Skyport will help make Ambaguio a top spot for paragliding and other adventure activities. It will also be a sustainable tourism hub that showcases the town’s scenic views and culture while creating jobs for residents.

The project will benefit the Kalanguya and Ayangan Indigenous communities through inclusive tourism programs, new livelihood opportunities and support for preserving their traditions.

Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose V. Gambito has identified paragliding as a priority in the province’s tourism development agenda, with plans to explore other sites in municipalities whose terrain and conditions are suitable for the sport.

But the province’s vision extends beyond paragliding.

Gambito is pushing to transform Nueva Vizcaya into a broader adventure-tourism destination, with potential attractions ranging from kayaking and tubing along the Matuno River to off-road motorcycle activities, downhill biking, trekking and other outdoor sports.

The provincial government has begun coordinating with local government units and tourism stakeholders to identify, assess and develop potential sites for these activities across the province.

The Ambaguio Skyport is poised to anchor Nueva Vizcaya’s emerging adventure tourism industry, helping establish the province as a premier destination for paragliding, outdoor recreation and a wide range of adventure sports.