TiniCamp Glamping Park

VI. SOCIO ECONOMIC ASPECT

Glamping business has achieved several milestones already in different parts of the
world. It is not just known as a way of escape from the city lights but also popular for promoting
the beauty of nature in the location the business was established. It is proving to be a booming
activity worldwide that not just conserves the environment but also sustains the well being of
local people. In short, this venture fosters ecotourism.
As Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal continues to soar with regard to tourism, local officials and
community members are constantly being challenged by the need to balance its fiscal, social,
economic and environmental goals. One aspect of this is deciding how much and what types of
development the community can accommodate without compromising the day-to-day quality of
life for residents, and with consideration to the glampers' needs and wants. The socio-economic
aspect of this study is designed to assist Brgy. Daraitan, the local government, and most
importantly, the researchers in making decisions that promote long-term sustainability including
economic prosperity, a healthy community and social well-being for people in the locality.
This chapter provides an overview of the socio-economic impact of this feasibility study
in Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal.

A.

Boost in Tourism
Barangay Daraitan is a small community composed of more than 500 families. It is

surrounded by the mountains of Quezon Province namely Nilindigan, Atburan, and Nilubugan
(this is according to the residents but the official names of these mountains may vary) and other
unidentified mountains of Quezon and Rizal Province. Geographically, Daraitan is part of the
Municipality of Gen. Nakar, Quezon Province but politically, since the people have to

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circumnavigate the mountains in order to avail of services from the local government of Nakar,
the people of Daraitan chose to be part of the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal.
The business to be established, given proper marketing and advertising efforts will
certainly improve the number of hikers and visitors that Daraitan will accommodate every day.
The barangay caters both day and night hikes for customary preferences as recorded but these
times are well utilized during weekends. Generally, hikers of Mount Daraitan comprise the
most number of visitors that come to the place. These people tend to seek adventure and thrill
while appreciating the gift of nature. However, some of them still want to find convenience in the
midst of it, making the business more attractive for those who have and have not tried going to
the place yet.
Moreover, local produce in Tanay that they pride about become known too for the visitors
like kakanin for pasalubong including suman sa ibos, matamis na bao, suman sa latik, kutsinta,
halayang ube and biko. Artworks and crafts too become interesting since art galleries were also
established in different cities of Rizal.

I.

Increase in annual visitors in Daraitan, Rizal

Barangay Daraitan is already one of the most visited destinations in Tanay, Rizal for it

offers a wide array of nature-tripping activities like mountain hiking, river trekking and cave
touring. A couple of years ago the place was termed by several tourists and bloggers as a
juvenile place that is yet to be developed once noticed. In May this year, 60000 tourists and
more were recorded to have visited as of the Barangays data, which is the largest number of
campers noted ever compared to previous years. At present, the LGU of Tanay is actively
promoting Barangay Daraitan as one of the major tourist spots in Tanay. The area has a very
high potential for tourism development as an outdoor recreation and ecological destination

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project. Furthermore, Daraitan River was adjudged as the "cleanest river" of the province in
2000. As more camping-related businesses are established in the area, more individuals can be
accommodated thus giving a chance to everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of Daraitan.
The tourists usually go in groups ranging from three to a hundred people coming along together.

II.

Local produce market

About 80% of the population depends on agriculture as the source of livelihood; while

the rest depend on occasional and regular employment. Major agricultural products include
citrus (dalanghita) and mango. In Tanay, citrus has the highest production yield, about 71,300
ton, most of which is produced in Daraitan. Minor agricultural products include vegetables, root
crops and palay, normally grown in kaingin areas. A few households are engaged in charcoal
making, or pag-uuling. Others are into livestock rising, including cows, carabaos, pigs and
goats, while women keep themselves busy by accepting sewing, laundering and weeding jobs.
Because of this, the individuals outside community learn to slowly patronize these products, as
well as the processed foods being sold in Daraitan, especially if they have a convenient place to
stay at.

III.

Other famous tourist spots in Tanay, Rizal promoted

Researchers believe that upon the establishment of this business, this will give way to

promoting all the other tourist destinations located in Tanay, Rizal. Some of the places that the
campers may also visit include Calinawan Cave, Batlag Falls, Daranak Falls, Ten Cents to
Heaven Resort, Momarco Inland Resort, Mystical Cave, Tres Escalon Falls and Regina Rica.

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IV.

Appreciation for Rizal as Art Capital

Aside from food and several tourist spots, Rizal is also known as the Art Capital of the

Philippines. This is mainly because of Rizals natural geography which exceptionally depicts
works of art. The business would create room for development and projects to promote artworks
and crafts originally made in Rizal and also to expose their artistry.

B.

Strengthened community
Over the two years that Daraitan has reached its fame, efforts for development in the

barangay became visible. The municipality has directed its barangay unit to organize a system
where hikers log in and log out before and after setting foot to the mountain trails. Upon
commencement of the business, it will be a great start for creating a good image even outside
their community. In Tanay municipality, it can be considered one of the most lucrative projects in
the city, in which Brgy. Daraitan should boast about.

This will also develop the values of

cooperation and support from the local government unit to the barangay itself which would give
more competitive advantage over other barangays in Tanay. As one of the business objectives,
the project will also entail tight security system whereby the glampers can leave their valuables
without thinking of them being loss, consequently improving peace and order in the area. And as
a new business venture, stricter law enforcement will be done to ensure the safety of the people
during their stay.

I.

Commendable image for Barangay Daraitan

Given that the barangay is already known nation-wide for their remarkable assistance

during the visitors stay, Daraitan is also popular in the municipality as a competitive barangay
unit. Because of this, they are very well commended by the local officials especially in the

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Tourism Department who would refer their place to be visited among others. Also, different
charity events choose the area to extend help to upon search. The business would most likely
benefit from this positive image.

II.

Support and cooperation with LGU

The municipality of Tanay, Rizal has organized a system of logging in and out for the

visitors so that they are well-guided in the whole duration of their stay. If a business should be
established in the place, all the permits and legal requirements should be followed so that the
business will work harmoniously with the local government in the area. This would entail the
values of support and cooperation especially that it is important to stay attuned to government
orders.

III.

Competitive advantage over other barangays

Since a commercial glamping business is yet to be established in the area, this will add

to the reasons why campers, hikers and visitors will choose to go to Daraitan first over any other
places in Tanay, Rizal. This would give more income opportunities, employment and other
benefits to the barangay and its people.

IV.

Campaign for security, peace and order

Researchers found that the campers worry the most about their security in the duration

of their stay in the area. This includes their concern on their valuables while hiking or trekking,
their safety when sleeping in the tents they put up at night as well as their safety from having no
running water and harmful insects that could be dangerous to health. This business aims to
eliminate these concerns so that the glampers can enjoy the nature without having to worry

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about their safety. The business would employ a total of six security guards to ensure peace and
order as promised.

V.

Stricter law enforcement

Since a commercial business would entail more people as customers, the municipality

will be notified that stricter law enforcement is needed to attain the objectives of the business.
Scope would include peace and order, security, environmental regulations, employment
requirements and others that would be of concern to the business and the customers welfare.

C.

Economic growth for the barangay and its people

The business may directly influence changes in employment and income opportunities in

the area. Such changes may be more or less temporary (rehabilitation projects or seasonal
employment depending on climate conditions) or may constitute a permanent change in the
employment and income profile of the community should the business bring long-term job
opportunities for community residents. Moreover, growth in employment places additional
demands on community services and resources. For example, change in income may influence
the social environment in a number of ways such as raising or lowering the average standard of
living for residents. Increased income for the barangay because of tourism development also
sets forth higher IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) from the municipality itself, thus opening
more opportunities for its people.
The business may also allow advanced training for the employees who can alleviate their
working standards upon entry to this undertaking. Other factors include increased business
investments, demand for public services and expanded networking or linkages and changes in
the aesthetic quality in the area such as improved roads making it more accessible to the public.

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I.

Employment and income opportunities

Barangay Daraitan, with a total population of 3,202, comprising 617 households, makes

up 4.1% of the entire municipal population of Tanay based on the May 2000 NSO Census. The
Barangay has a growth rate of 4.94% and an average family size of 5-6 members. The majority
of the residents in Barangay proper belong to the middle income class, thus are better off than
the nearby Barangays. This is also evident in the number of concrete houses in the area. They
own at least a 400 sq.m. residential land, plus farm lots granted under the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program. The monthly income of each household ranges from PhP 4,000 to
20,000; while the average monthly expenditure is from PhP 2,000 to 5,000. The business would
be employing local people to enhance the work force population in the area of Daraitan.
Partners will be prioritizing those people in tribes if they qualify for the requirements needed to
also elevate their quality of life. They may be employed but the business will make sure that
their culture is preserved in accordance with R.A.8371 otherwise called as the Indigenous
People Rights Act of 1997. If not, local people may still apply for available position.

II.

Increased IRA
Because of high income that is being turned over to the municipality from a lot of tourists

visiting the area, the IRA or Internal Revenue Allotment for Daraitan increases as well. These
are used by the local barangay unit for developing the area and other projects that will support
community welfare. The business would directly increase the amount to be turned over thus
more projects for Daraitan will push through.

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III.

Advanced training for employees

Employees, as mentioned will be hired from the local community in Daraitan. This is not

just to create employment opportunities for them but to also enhance their skills and abilities as
it is in the urban area. Proper trainings will be given to them to acquire advanced knowledge
regarding the business and the significant roles that they will be working on. This should be
equally important from the other aspects needed such as license, proper education and cultural
competency skills, depending on the position to be filled. This would also show the community
the need for attaining education, thus inspiring them to finish higher degrees.

IV.

Heightened business investments/ Expanded networks or linkages

As it was stated above, the establishment of business gives way to a lot more

opportunities in Daraitan. Not only that the business helps boost the popularity for local produce
markets, it also commences idea generation for other individuals who would want to begin their
business in the area to alleviate the quality of life in the local community. When proven that the
business can generate high income, more investors will risk establishing various businesses.

V.

Additional demand for public services

Major social services available in Daraitan include the following: two health centers

staffed by a nurse and midwife at least once a week; a primary and a secondary school; road
networks accessible by big trucks or four-wheel drive vehicles through a six km rough road;
transportation services through jeepneys available thrice daily; water supply managed by the
Barangay; and electricity supplied by three private operators at a rate of PhP 350 per month.
Upon establishing the business, it is also an advocacy for Tinicamp to help the municipality of

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Tanay in reaching out to the community to know what the people need, thus increasing available
public and community resources especially when it comes to transportation.

VI.

Changes in aesthetic quality in the area

Daraitan offers a lot of scenic places. In fact, it has become one of the most visited areas

in Rizal up to this date. The general drawback for this is that the road to the barangay itself has
not been completely open for road-trippers. The road to Daraitan is rough and rocky, aside from
being peculiarly far from the city. Another advocacy of the business is to improve the aesthetic
quality in the area because this is an indicator for economic growth.

D.

Environmental awareness
Apart from environmental regulations that the city has implemented, the business also

creates awareness not just to the locality in Daraitan but also to the thousands of visitors in the
area when it comes to environmental concerns. Tinicamp advocates use of recyclable materials
while glamping to make the stay more nature-based, thus minimizing several negative impacts
on nature. Also, since the business already offers a lot of services that may be relevant to the
glampers, it will be of a great relief for them and for the site to avoid unnecessary waste
materials. This would also call for peoples knowledge on the importance of conservation since
the resources are up to limited extent. Lastly, sustainability projects are also promoted in
accordance to government regulations.

I.

Use of recyclable materials

In the case of offering vintage or retro services, many of the company assets

(campervans, etc.) are an excellent example of recycling or upcycling for business.

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Accommodation also would use sustainable materials and with little or no heating of any
significant environmental consequence. Depending on the type of glamping business, camping
gear will be reused time and time again. This means that carefully chosen items will have
multiple uses and therefore fewer materials will be used to produce them. This can include
avoiding disposable containers and instead opting for reusable ones instead.

II.

Advocacy for energy conservation

Businesses involved in camping and glamping seem to be more inclined to get involved

in environmental activities because of the nature of their business. A glamping business can
easily utilize products that promote environmental awareness into its daily services, such as
environmentally friendly cleaning products, equipments, etc. It is also important to raise
awareness to the people and the visitors for them to be informed about the negative impacts of
their actions to the environment.

III.

Efforts on reducing ozone-damaging pollution

Being in the middle of nature brings everyone closer to understanding and loving it, and

if people love it, they will most likely work extra hard to protect it. It often reduces the need for
vacationers to take a flight to their destination, therefore helping to cut ozone-damaging
pollution being pumped into the environment. Depending on the type of glamping business, it
can help consumers avoid pre-packaged and processed food products cutting down on the
rubbish they generate, by allowing access to farm shops, small local shops, etc.

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IV.

Partnership with responsible businesses

Doing business with environmentally responsible businesses gives way to a healthier

corporate relationship. This would mean that their organizational vision is in parallel with the
business. The researchers will take into consideration if the suppliers they will deal business
with also have the green label.

V.

More tree-planting activities

The barangay unit has this current policy that each tour guide who reaches the summit

would plant two seeds to increase the trees growing on the mountain. The order was started
since the hikers normally hold on to plants while ascending. As this business would entail more
visitors, more seeds will be planted on the mountain. Lastly, it would not only be the tour guides
that will be encouraged to plant seeds but the glampers may try it as well as a part of their
nature-based activities.

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