TWG formed to preserve Gardens of Malasag

A Technical Working Group (TWG) has been created to ensure a well-guided, culturally grounded, and strategic approach to the future of the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Barangay Cugman.

This follows the meeting convened by Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy in his office to address the site’s current status and its possible transition in management.

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, representing Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, participated in the discussions alongside Councilor Girlie Balaba, chairperson of the committee on tourism, officials from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and City Tourism Office Head Marky Jalapadan.

The TWG will focus on key areas on culture, tourism, and site management to craft strategies for the preservation, development, and enhancement of the Gardens of Malasag, especially if the City Government assumes full operations.

This initiative comes in response to Councilor Balaba’s appeal to Mayor Uy to intervene in the impending closure of the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, following TIEZA’s decision to cease its lease with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) effective December 2025.

TIEZA confirmed that its 25-year management contract is nearing its end, making coordination and comprehensive assessment crucial as the city explores the possibility of taking over the site.

The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village was initially managed by the National Tourism Authority and the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1991 before its redevelopment was entrusted to TIEZA. (JDO/SP)