Potentials for Ecotourism Development at the Tikub Lake: The Obscure Small Lake of Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

In Philippines the small lakes are hardly prioritised for ecotourism development, as many are undeveloped, arbitrarily governed and ecologically threatened. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of baseline information, the absence of basic management/development plan, and scarcity of scholarly works—little is known or written about small lakes. The study explores the potentials for ecotourism development of Tikub Lake located at the Tiaong Municipality in Quezon Province. It is locally accessible and easily reachable from the major urban population centres. As compared to other small lakes, Tikub Lake has a relatively superior water condition with impressive physical features and biodiversity. It has a promising market demand following the trajectory of nature-based tourism locally and nationally. It has rudimentary arrangements and ordinances to get set ecotourism and a committed local government, therefore, it is expected to contribute to the municipality’s tourism industry and economy. Ecotourism development is a feasible alternative for encouraging countryside economic expansion and for sustainably managing a small lake.