Buhisan's coming (winged) attractions

Buhisan's coming (winged) attractions
Buhisan is a step closer to becoming an eco-cultural
tourism destination with the butterfly sanctuary on the way


Architect Socorro Atega of Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water Foundation (CUSW) has said that the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve, where the Buhisan Dam rests, is a perfect spot for butterflies.

This was one of the details she considered when she created the site development plan for Buhisan, envisioning it as a nature center where the public can enjoy scenic spots, stroll in peace and be more aware of the environment at the same time. 

Site Development Plan of the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve
Nature Center drafted by Archt. Atega.

That was on 2008, when Atega, who chairs CUSW, partnered with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Lexmark International (Philippines), Inc. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation for the launching of the Save the Buhisan Watershed Project.

The five-year project aims to ensure sustainable water supply for Metro Cebu and promote the Buhisan Watershed as an eco-cultural tourism destination, which, in turn, will redound to the benefit of the communities around it by having alternative sources of livelihood.

Now, the butterfly sanctuary is on the way to completion. The Julian N. Jumalon Foundation, which is known for its successful butterfly sanctuaries, is tasked to layout Buhisan's butterfly sanctuary.

The sanctuary is just another aspect of the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve Nature Center, which is one of the expected outputs of the five-year project.

The nature center is also expected to be formally turned over on the first week of November by PBSP and its partner groups and companies.