This study emphasizes the role of local government in developing community-based ecotourism plans and programs in the Municipality of Paranas, Samar. Through the institutionalization of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Management Plan, the potentials of biodiversity and tourism in the area have been deliberately recognized. However, pressing issues and concerns on ecotourism planning challenge the local government in terms of institutional mechanism and planning capacity.
Therefore, this study explores the literary value of ecotourism planning concepts and principles applicable at the local level. Drumm (1998) exclaims that it is necessary to strengthen collaborations between stakeholders particularly on ecotourism planning in local communities. Stakeholders may consist of the local government units and local members of civil society (Alampay, 2005). It is in this context that the study offers a comprehensive analysis of how the SINP Management Plan and local government unit have contributed to the existing situation of community-based ecotourism in the area. This addresses the study’s first objective which is to discuss significant impacts of the SINP Management Plan in terms of community-based ecotourism and identify critical issues contributing to or hindering its effective implementation. Despite marked achievements, the SINP is still subject to enormous threat due to population pressure, natural processes, and other factors affecting the governance and utilization of the resources. Other concerns considered were lack of funding sources for ecotourism development, limited conduct of training and capacity building, lack of visitor’s facilities, inefficient watershed management, ineffective marketing package, lack of livelihood resources, and poor planning opportunities.