Hinulugang Taktak reopens in Antipolo

Antipolo City's Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape was reopened on February 13 at an event that included fireworks, musical performances and a candle-lighting ceremony. 

According to a statement from the Antipolo Public Information Office (PIO), P134.4 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Antipolo City government and the Rizal Governor's office was spent for the rehabilitation of the park, which is famous for its waterfalls and natural beauty.

“Maipagmamalaki nating mga Antipolenyo na maibalik sa dating ganda ang tinaguriang pinaka-popular na tourist spot sa lungsod at inaasahan natin ang pagdagsa ng mga turista para makita ang Hinulugang Taktak,” the statement quoted Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares as saying.

Rizal Governor Nini Ynares and local government officials as well as non-government organizations and officials from the Department of Natural Resources and the Laguna Lake Development Authority attended the event.

Hinulugang Taktak was declared a National Park in 1990 and a Protected Landscape in 2000.

In 2014, the DENR signed an agreement with the provincial and city governments to co-manage the site "to revive and enhance [the area's] ecotourism potential."

According to the DENR's Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the DENR was tasked to rehabilitate the area, which had been "threatened by the perennial problems of human encroachment and environmental pollution caused by land estates development and establishment of piggeries and factories within the surrounding areas."

The statement from Antipolo PIO noted that the candle-lighting ceremony included the attendees' declaration of a "Pledge of Commitment" to keep the area clean.

Hinulugang Taktak is in Barangay Dela Paz in Antipolo City, on Taktak Road off Sumulong Highway. — BM, GMA News