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Naujan Lake

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17814396145221781412903302675.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Dennis Datu, ABS-CBN News"/>Dennis Datu, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA -- The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has launched an ambitious initiative to transform Naujan Lake, the country’s fifth-largest lake, into one of the Philippines’ premier eco-tourism destinations.The vast freshwater lake spans the municipalities of Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, and Pola and is set to become the centerpiece of the province’s tourism and economic development strategy under the Naujan Lake Tourism Development Project. The project will establish four distinct tourism destinations around the lake, each designed to showcase the area’s natural beauty while creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor said the vision for the lake’s transformation was inspired by his travels with his wife, Hiyas Govinda Ramos-Dolor, where they witnessed how lakes in other countries served as hubs of prosperity and development. &quot;Kung gaano kaganda ang lawa sa ibang bansa, doon naroroon ang pinakamayayamang tao, ang pinakamagagandang resort, ang pinakamagagandang hotel, ang pinakamagagandang negosyo. Walang mahirap sa tabi ng lawa sa ibang bansa, pero pag-uuwi ako ng Oriental Mindoro, makikita namin na ang pinakamahirap na pamumuhay ay makikita natin sa tabi ng lawa,&quot; Dolor said.The development plan includes the construction of four piers that will serve as jump-off points for tourist boats offering lake cruises to the project’s major destinations. One of the flagship attractions is the Bambanin-Merit Tourism Esplanade in the municipality of Victoria. The development will feature scenic walkways, bicycle lanes, and open spaces for community activities, creating a vibrant connection between residents and nature while supporting local livelihoods.The esplanade is envisioned as a dynamic hub for arts, leisure, and culture. Backed by a P300-million investment, construction has officially begun following a groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday. Also inaugurated was the 2-kilometer Bambanin-Merit Circumferential Road, which runs along the shores of Naujan Lake.In Socorro town, visitors will be offered an immersive nature experience through the Minglet Forest Eco-Tourism Experience, a sanctuary for migratory and endemic birds and a haven for diverse wildlife. The project carries an estimated cost of P100 million. Adventure seekers, meanwhile, will be drawn to the Tagbakin Falls Trek Adventure in the town Pola. After a short trek through natural terrain, visitors will be rewarded with the breathtaking beauty of Tagbakin Falls. The project has secured an initial P70 million budget and includes plans for a pier and restaurants catering to tourists.For travelers seeking relaxation and wellness, the Montelago Hot Spring in Naujan will offer an eco-wellness retreat combining therapeutic hot springs, scenic landscapes, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The project has been allocated P130 million.The Naujan Lake Development Project is expected not only to establish Oriental Mindoro as a major destination on the Philippines’ tourism map, but also to generate thousands of jobs and create new economic opportunities that will drive growth and prosperity across the province.Supporting the tourism initiative, Island Water Shipping has begun constructing the tourist vessels that will ferry visitors on lake cruises around Naujan Lake.The company unveiled on Thursday the design of its state-of-the-art, low-emission tourist vessel, specially engineered for the lake’s pristine waters.The vessel will be equipped with comprehensive safety features, including life jackets, lifebuoys, first-aid equipment, emergency signage, and emergency lighting systems. For fire protection, the vessel will carry specialized firefighting equipment, portable fire extinguishers, fire buckets, and emergency shutdown systems for both machinery and fuel operations.Passengers will also enjoy onboard amenities such as a restaurant, coffee bar, and entertainment facilities.Construction of three additional piers is expected to begin  in the coming months.

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has launched an ambitious initiative to transform Naujan Lake, the country’s fifth-largest lake, into one of the Philippines’ premier eco-tourism destinations.

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has launched an ambitious initiative to transform Naujan Lake, the country’s fifth-largest lake, into one of the Philippines’ premier eco-tourism destinations.

Oriental Mindoro looks to transform Naujan Lake into premier eco-tourism destination

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Oriental Mindoro looks to transform Naujan Lake into premier eco-tourism destination

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 14, 2026 08:23 PM PHT

Read More:

Naujan Lake

Oriental Mindoro

Tourism

Gov. Bonz Dolor

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