Balaba appeals to Mayor Uy to save Malasag Eco-Village

Councilor Girlie Balaba appealed to Mayor Rolando Uy to intervene in the impending closure of Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village, following the decision of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to cease its lease with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) effective December 2025.

In her special report, Balaba described the six-hectare eco-village located in Barangay Cugman is a vital ecological, cultural, and tourism site that deserves protection and preservation.

“To sustain Malasag is to sustain the voices of our indigenous peoples, their homes, and their livelihood,” she stressed, noting that the site serves as one of the city’s environmental lungs and keeps the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous communities.

The lady councilor, who is chair of the tourism committee, bared that at least 46 employees may lose their jobs once operations cease, and that valuable infrastructure investments could go to waste. 

“Since Malasag is in our city, we have a duty to protect it… Preserving Malasag is preserving a piece of ourselves – a promise to future generations,” she added.

Councilor Eric Salcedo supported the call but cautioned that the city must carefully study any plan to assume management under its economic enterprises, warning that it could become a financial burden if revenues fall short of operational costs.

Balaba clarified that city intervention would allow the local government to negotiate favorable lease terms with the DENR.

For his part, Councilor Antuy Pascual proposed crafting legislation to declare Malasag a protected eco-cultural heritage site under the city’s local tourism and cultural strategy, citing opportunities for incentives and funding.

Meanwhile, Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez and Marlo Tabac also suggested elevating the matter to Congressman Rufus Rodriguez for possible legislative support at the national level.

The Gardens of Malasag Eco Tourism Village was first managed by the National Tourism Authority and Philippine Tourism Authority in 1991, before it was transferred to TIEZA for redevelopment. (FDC/SP)