REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY
PHIVOLCS Bldg.,C.P. Garcia Ave.,University of the Philippines Campus, 1101 Diliman,Quezon City Tels. (02) 426-1468 to 79;920-7058;926-2611
Fax: 926-8366
Website: www.philvolcs.dost.gov.ph
MR. RONALDO P. TIOTUICO
Regional Director
Department of Tourism-Region III
City of San Fernando,Pampanga
Dear Director Tiotuico:
This in response to your letter dated 02 May 2006 requesting PHILVOLCS to comment on the establishment of tourism-related infrastructure projects at Pinatubo Volcano by Korean investors and the Municipal Office of Capas, Tarlac.
In response to the issues you raised with regards to the ongoing tourism development activities purportedly initiated by the Municipality of Capas, Tarlac and some Korean investors, here are our opinion and assessment:
1. New road access to Pinatubo Crater Lake area
The Mt. Pinatubo Tourism Plan stipulates that development of tourism sites and activities should be low impact, provide economic benefits, promote environmental protection, provide education, and encourage the full participation of the local communities. The access to the volcano must be maintained as a trekking and adventure destination using the most feasible safe trail to the Crater Lake. Any development, whether involving infrastructure, commerce, tourism, should not degrade the Volcano's pristine environment. We do not discourage the municipality's effort to provide easier access to the crater but they should consult with the proper authorities so that the route selected and the road development is safe for use to the public.
For infrastructure development (e.g. roads, bridges, and related civil works), key implementers shall be DPWH and its regional and district offices or DILG in support of the area tourism master plan. Non-structural development shall be under the DENR which has supervision of national parks under a program system known as the Integrated Protected Area System (IPAS). PHILVOCS is mandated to evaluate volcanic hazards and monitor activities which may have impact on the foregoing development plans and implementation in the area.
2. Establishment of the lakes as a recreational area
Development of the volcano area as a major tourism destination has always been envisioned years after the eruption of Pinatubo Volcano and in fact the Pinatubo Volcano Area Specific Tourism Development Master Plan for 2002-2006, prepared by the Mt. Pinatubo Study team represented by DOT, PHILVOCS, DENR, DPWH, NEDA, NCIP, PTA and the Indigenous People, was drafted as guide in the development of Pinatubo Volcano as a major tourism destination covering the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga and Zambales and the City of Angeles. However, people entering and utilizing the crater lake as a recreational site must observe safety precautions. We note with concern that swimming and boating activities with Kayak and Aqua cycles have been introduced at the Pinatubo Crater Lake, since these may be dangerous at present. This is due mainly to the frequent occurrences of rock falls and landslide on the south and southwest sectors of the crater wall. Such active occurrences are evidenced by the existence of significant fresh talus deposits along the crater lake shoreline. Many other portions of the crater's inner wall are in danger of collapsing, as indicated by huge cracks and steep slopes. Collapse may be triggered once heavy rain falls within the area. In addition, fumarolic or thermal activities on thermal activities on the eastern crater lake shoreline are risky and may cause scalding or burns with contact. Moderate to strong wind will also affect the mobility of water crafts near the breached two-meter wide Maraunot outlet.
Furthermore, the results of the chemical analyses showed that Pinatubo crater lake water contains hazardous substances such as arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), boron (BO), Chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sulphate (SO4) and total solids (TDS). The (MCL) required for drinking water. The said substances may affect the human health in various ways depending on the individual's physical condition and body resistance. Some of the toxic elements like arsenic, even in small dosage, may accumulate in body tissues and can become fatal over an extended time interval. The effect of exposure depends on dose, duration, manner of exposure, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
We sincerely hope that the national and local government units tasked to ensure the proper and most effective development of the Pinatubo Crater Lake and its environs work hand in hand in order to ensure that aside from providing safe access to foreign and local tourists who wish to visit Pinatubo Volcano and the majestic views of the crater lake, we also preserve the majestic beauty of one of the most natural wonders of our country.
We hope we have responded appropriately to your queries. Please feel free to contact PHILVOCS for additional information/ clarification.
Contact