Dewil Eco-Mangrove Association (DEMA) and the Dewil Eco Mangrove Tour in El Nido
The Dewil Eco-Mangrove Association (DEMA) was established in partnership with local stakeholders in New Ibajay to provide building capacity for tourism operations and stewardship over the 412-hectare mangrove forests that dot the eastern shorelines of El Nido. Over a warm April morning, I had the pleasure of meeting Diomac Pable, President of DEMA, and his wife, Maria Evelyn Maquilan-Pable, at the Welcome Center for the Dewil Mangrove River Tour.
With eagerness and excitement in their step, they were happy to share the origins of DEMA – which was initially spearheaded by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) – and the transition into a partnership with Ten Knots Group (TKG) leading the charge alongside other Ayala subsidiaries, including Ayala Land Offices (ALO) and AirSWIFT Airlines. At the helm, Mariglo (Marigs) Laririt, the Director for Sustainability at TKG, is helping promote neighboring tourism destinations while ensuring conservation beyond Bacuit Bay is coming to fruition. The work laid out in New Ibajay is just one example. Kuya Diomac and Ate Evelyn explained that during the pandemic, DEMA sought funding and training and started construction using light materials for the Welcome Center. The prize money won for DEMA’s entry for the handwoven float for a fiesta parade was also used towards the Welcome Center.
TKG approached DEMA to identify how the company can support the community-run nature-based tourism in the area, which is well-aligned with the company’s sustainability goals. After planning sessions with DEMA, TKG developed plans to enhance the Dewil Mangrove Tour facilities. The TKG, along with its sister companies ALO and AirSwift, came together to provide funding and develop a more permanent DEMA Tourism Welcome Center, which includes restrooms for visitors and a boardwalk built through a section of the mangroves. Part of the development program is to conduct capacity training for tourism services.
Kayaking, birding, and touring Dewil’s Eco-Mangrove
Before hopping onto a motorized banca, I spoke at length with Kuya Diomac and Ate Evelyn at the Welcome Center and launch point. We spoke about opportunities in eco-tourism, the challenges in conservation, and the reasons for mangrove destruction, including deforestation for fuel in the form of charcoal. Initially, I saw opportunities for kayaking (available) and birding, but then traversing through the 7km and into the bay, I saw the challenges presented by nature — the tide, trade winds, waves, and a large flowing river sourced from Dewil Valley. While the motorized boat may be bothersome for those looking for a quiet experience, there is a stop to get inside the mangrove forest, which serves as a critical buffer on the coastline, supportive of erosion reduction from storms, tides, waves, and currents.
Boardwalk in Dewil
Around the halfway point, we hopped off the banca to view a nearly complete boardwalk developed with support from TKG. Spanning a 3-month construction effort, the area was built to give an immersive experience. The boardwalk provided a quiet walk inside a pristine mangrove ecosystem, which included a troop of long-tailed macaques. In the air and on the trees, I spotted sunbirds, kingfishers, and swallows, though I imagine the area would have felt more alive in the early morning hours. Hopping back on the banca, our guide Kuya Rogelio Carinom pointed out the different mangrove species that lined the areas and explained the livelihood of the fishermen’s connection to the crabs, shrimp, and fish that line the riverbanks. He further described that the nipa-lined riverbanks support livelihood and act as a local roofing material.
The out-and-back trip lasts about an hour — from the flowing freshwaters of Dewil River and eventually exiting into the salty waters of Imorigue Bay. As we exited the river’s mouth, a sea eagle welcomed us into the bay. Views of Batas Island and the stunning Imorigue Island presented themselves, and along the mainland shoreline is a thick series of mangroves that stretch from Mabini in the south to Villa Paz and Sibaltan in the north.
Local stewardship
In the end, this was a side of El Nido I knew existed but had never gotten the opportunity to explore. The area looks to develop as more folks get glimpses of the stewardship done by Diomac, Evelyn, and the association’s other members. One recent instance is a proposal from DEMA to the Department of Labor and Employment for a potential floating restaurant. Regardless of the funding, the stakeholders, and the tourists, we hope this area becomes a prime example of what is possible in conservation management and responsible tourism.
It’s vital to recognize the significance of mangrove ecosystems for their unique beauty and importance in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Mangroves are an essential tool for carbon sequestration, and their loss could lead to a dangerous release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. DEMA welcomes visitors to witness their dedicated work thus far and experience the 1-hour river tour priced at PHP 500.00 per person, with a 4-person minimum requirement. For those wanting an extension of the tour, an extra 500 php adds snorkeling in Imorigue Island. So, feel free to partake and enjoy a tour that satisfies an adventurer’s heart and assures that the environment is better for all by the end of the day.
Booking information for Dewil Eco Mangrove Tour El Nido
Important- For bookings, call in advance at 0975 578 4766 (Phone number and WhatsApp)
Option 1- 1 hour River Tour only, 500 php per person
Option 2- Half Day Tour- River Tour + Snorkeling in Imorigue Bay- 1000 php per person w/o lunch; 1500 php per person w/ lunch
