Benguet Farming Town Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed P400-M Hotel

BAGUIO CITY—A developer's plan to build a ₱400-million hotel in Atok, a vegetable-growing town in Benguet, has agitated residents and sparked debate. The town is known for its rich soil and extensive vegetable cultivation. While the developer intends to proceed with the project, some residents have voiced concerns about its potential impact on community-run tourism enterprises. Atok has seen the growth of small-scale tourism, leveraging its scenic beauty and agricultural experiences, which significantly contributes to the local economy and livelihoods. Local officials have insisted that any decision regarding the project must first undergo public consultations and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, a crucial procedure designed to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. This ensures that development projects are undertaken with consideration for community will and environmental impact. The proposed hotel construction highlights a division among residents, weighing the potential for economic revitalization against the possible effects on existing community-based tourism and local culture. This situation is emblematic of the ongoing challenge in the Philippines to balance development with the sustainability of local communities.