CAVINTI, Laguna – The Cavinti Falls – more popularly known as the Pagsanjan Falls – would be better protected following a tripartite agreement among Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Lumban. Cavinti Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo expressed optimism that the re-activation of a tripartite agreement among the three towns would result in a better relationship and reconciliation with an objective to protect the famous falls.
(From left) Cavinti, Laguna Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo, DOT Region 4-A Director Marites Castro, Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Pagsanjan Mayor Cesar Areza, and Lumban Mayor Rolando Ubatay show a copy of the agreement for the protection and care of Cavinti Falls, also known as Pagsanjan Falls, during the signing ceremony in Pagsanjan, Laguna. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
Arroyo said in an interview that the signing of the agreement on Friday, June 9, in Pagsanjan, Laguna, will boost the tourism industry of the three towns. Arroyo, Pagsanjan Mayor Cesar Areza, and Lumban Mayor Rolando Ubatay signed the agreement, with Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, and Department of Tourism Region 4-A director Marites Castro as witnesses. “Ako’y natutuwa dahil naisakatuparan na muling magtulong-tulong ang tatlong bayan para sa larangan ng turismo, at sa kabuuan ang lalawigan ng Laguna (I am happy because the three towns agreed to help each other again in the field of tourism),” said Arroyo. The agreement clearly defines the priority responsibilities of each town, with focus on the protection and care of the Pagsanjan Falls. Arroyo, however, stressed that they are not after the proceeds the tourism industry would give them, and that their ultimate goal is to really protect the falls. Arroyo revealed that, initially, each town will allocate P300,000 to fund the promotion to attract more tourists to the falls. Arroyo at the same time expressed gratitude to the support given by the DOT and Philippine Tourism Association in this effort to restore the vigor of the falls, and revive the tourism industry here. Arroyo said he would mobilize the barangays in Cavinti to help strengthen tourism, adding that he is formulating a program for sustainable tourism in Cavinti, which is seeking to become the glamping capital of the Philippines. The agreement was formulated during the incumbency of Laguna Gov. Joey Lina in the 1990s but because of some disagreement among the three chief executives, the agreement did not materialize, Arroyo recalled.