The Mangrove Eco Park in Barangay Batalay, Bato, Catanduanes has opened its doors officially after recovering from the devastation caused by typhoons.

Spanning 42 hectares, the mangrove is surrounded by clear water. It also attracts migratory birds.

"Open na po ang ating Balatay Mangrove Eco Park at meron na po tayong cottage, floating cottage… we have kayak here, and of course may mga tours na po tayong pwede around the mangrove," Joy Soria, Tourism Operations Officer II of Bato, said.

Entrance to the park is only P5.

Floating cottages can be rented for P100. Meanwhile, boat tours are priced between P200 to P500, depending on the number of tourists.

"Mula nung magbukas po kami may mga na-cater na po kaming mga tourist na galing sa iba’t-ibang bansa," Gemma Manibale, President of the Batalay Mangrove Eco Tour Guides Association, said.

The initiative not only benefits tourists but also provides livelihood opportunities for residents who serve as tour guides and boatmen.

"Namamasdan ko po na maganda po ang epekto [ng pagbukas ng eco park], isa na po yung pagkakaroon ng hanapbuhay ng mga tao rito, [at] yung napapangalagaan yung kalinisan at  kagandahan ng ating mga mangrove," Angelito Victorino, a councilman of Barangay Batalay, said.

Gabrielle Encarnacion, a tourist, praised the beauty of the place, especially the fine and golden sand.

"Sobrang ganda, specially yung mga sand sobrang pino [at] golden siya. So sa lahat ng mga napuntahan namin, isa siya sa mga magagandang beaches po," she said.

While authorities welcome tourists to enjoy the area, they emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness and preserving the natural beauty of the site.