Advisers

Reynold R. Bangalisan, LPT

Discipline

Tourism & hospitality

Abstract

Bitbit River in Bulacan offers a natural escape near the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa Dam system, providing clean water and scenic landscapes suitable for recreation. However, limited activities and the absence of safety measures reduce visitor engagement and potential economic benefits for the local community. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of recreational activities at Bitbit River while balancing environmental conservation and sustainable development. Anchored on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (Madden, Ellen, & Ajzen, 2021) and the Theory of Sustainable Development (Ozili, 2024), the research examined how recreational adequacy relates to environmental protection and visitor satisfaction. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, with 100 tourists and residents selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made survey questionnaire and analyzed through weighted mean, Pearson-r correlation, and ranking methods. Findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed on the adequacy of recreational activities in terms of interest (WM = 3.26), enjoyment (3.30), and relaxation (3.33–3.46), while moderate agreement was observed in socialization (3.25), accessibility (3.10), and safety (3.06). For conservation, respondents agreed that recreation influences environmental conditions, with composite means of 3.01–3.15, showing support for conservation policies and moderate intent to protect nature. A significant positive correlation was found between recreational adequacy and environmental conservation (r = 0.7899, p = 0.0001), underscoring their strong interdependence. The main challenge identified was insufficient funding for ecofriendly initiatives. The discussion emphasizes that while Bitbit River provides meaningful recreational opportunities, improvements in safety, accessibility, and conservation engagement are needed to maximize its ecotourism potential. Sustainable development requires addressing financial constraints, enhancing facilities, and implementing stricter conservation measures. The proposed developmental plan highlights eco-friendly programs, broader stakeholder collaboration, and active community participation to ensure both enhanced visitor satisfaction and long-term environmental protection.

Keywords

recreational facilities, environmental conservation