Tourism activities at Mt. Pinatubo suspended amid compensation issue with Aeta community
The government in Botolan, Zambales has temporarily suspended all travel and tourism activities at Mt. Pinatubo amid an ongoing issue surrounding members of the Aeta community in the area.
According to Executive Order No. 05, Series of 2025 issued by the government of Botolan, Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane ordered the suspension of "all forms and kinds of tourism-related activities, projects, and programs, pre-scheduled or otherwise, being conducted or to be implemented at Mt. Pinatubo and within the territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Botolan."
The order took effect on May 2 and will last "until further notice."
The Department of Tourism later issued a statement supporting the local government on this decision and urged stakeholders to comply with the suspension.
"[The] Department puts utmost consideration on the concerns raised by the five Ayta clans from Capas, Tarlac, during a recent consultative session organized by the DOT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders," they said.
The suspension comes after Aeta community members blocked access to the Mt. Pinatubo Crater in late April to "express their concerns about fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain," according to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
Authorities got involved and took some individuals into custody, but they have since released them that same day with no charges filed.
The NCIP stated that they have been "actively collaborating" with the Aeta community, the Capas, Tarlac LGU, and other stakeholders to address concerns on proper compensation.
"Our efforts aim to ensure that indigenous peoples receive a fair share of tourism benefits without imposing additional costs on visitors," the agency said.
"The actions of the Aeta community underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on ancestral land rights and equitable tourism practices. Indigenous Peoples are vital stewards of our cultural and environmental heritage, and it is essential to respect their rights while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism," they added.
NCIP assured that they have "explored solutions that promote harmony and equity for all involved" and are encouraging the public to "remain calm and patient."
The agency granted ownership of land on Mt. Pinatubo to Aeta communities beginning in 2009. The title helps them from having their land exploited without compensation and consent.
