SASMUAN, Pampanga — Known for its fishing communities and rich coastal resources, this municipality is now taking a new direction by linking its traditional livelihood with tourism through a community-based development project.
With its strong natural resources and active community participation, the town has been selected as one of the implementation sites for the DURE Farm Tourism Development Project, a Korea-funded initiative promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
The project is a collaboration among the Department of Tourism, Korean Tourism Organization (KTO), and World Vision Korea, with infrastructure support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Building a hub for tourism and culture
At the center of the initiative is the planned construction of a tourism information center in Barangay Sta. Lucia, envisioned not just as a facility, but as a shared space for the community.
“This is community-based tourism development where all sectors are involved, and its impact will be felt across the municipality,” said municipal tourism officer Sonjai Salenga.
The center will feature an exhibition area, gallery, coffee shop, pasalubong center, and a resting space for tourists where local food products, creative industries, and tourism packages can be showcased and marketed.
Strategically located near a developing linear park, the facility is expected to complement Sasmuan’s proposed ecotourism offerings such as mangrove tours, paddle boating, and fishing village experiences.
Expanding livelihoods through community participation
Beyond infrastructure, the project also puts strong emphasis on community empowerment.
For fisherfolks in Sasmuan, the initiative opens opportunities to diversify income. Members of local organizations, including the Federation of Sasmuan Fisherfolks, may soon offer boat tours using their existing bancas, allowing them to benefit directly from tourism activities.
Women’s groups in the community like the Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Batang 2nd are also expected to gain from the project, particularly in food processing and product development, enabling them to take part in the growing tourism value chain.
“This project will boost livelihood alongside tourism, creating job opportunities such as receptionists, boatmen, and tour guides,” noted Salenga.
To prepare residents for these roles, trainings on fish processing, tour guiding, and eco-guiding have already been conducted with support from the DOT, along with assistance in accreditation and provision of essential equipment such as life vests.
The local government has also facilitated sessions on good manufacturing practices and food handling to ensure quality and safety standards.
Moving forward with sustainable development
Originally estimated at P27 million, the project cost has increased to around P53 million due to additional requirements such as soil testing and site development.
The infrastructure component will be implemented by TIEZA, while program interventions will be jointly carried out by DOT, KTO, and World Vision Korea.
Since consultations began last year, the project has progressed through validation, site development, and stakeholder coordination. The memorandum of understanding among partner agencies is also nearing completion, with groundbreaking expected soon and construction to follow.
The facility is targeted for completion and launch between June and July 2027.
For Sasmuan, the transformation is not just about building infrastructure. More importantly, it is about creating opportunities and ensuring that development is shared by the community. Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA-3
