Strategic public management for sustainable eco-cultural tourism development in Malapatan, Sarangani Province
Jerome P. Sinangote & Jun Rex H. Halique
Abstract
This study aims to examine the role of strategic public management in fostering sustainable eco-cultural tourism development in Malapatan, Sarangani Province, Philippines. It seeks to assess the current tourism status, analyze governance approaches, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose a strategic framework for sustainable development. A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis, and site observations. The study engaged stakeholders from local government units (LGUs), indigenous communities, tourism operators, and civil society organizations. The study found that Malapatan possesses rich eco-cultural tourism assets rooted in indigenous heritage and natural landscapes. However, challenges persist in infrastructure development, stakeholder coordination, community engagement, and policy implementation. A Strategic Public Management Framework was proposed. The study focused solely on selected barangays in Malapatan and excluded perspectives from general tourists. Future research may incorporate broader geographic coverage and quantitative assessments of tourist behavior and economic impact. Nevertheless, the findings provide a practical guide for LGUs and stakeholders aiming to implement sustainable, inclusive, and culturally grounded tourism strategies.
Keywords
sustainable tourism, eco-cultural tourism, strategic public management, local governance, Malapatan, community-based tourism
Author information & Contribution
Jerome P. Sinangote. Corresponding author. Master of Public Administration major in Organization and Management. Tourism Operations Officer, Provincial Local Government of Sarangani (PLGU-Sarangani). Email: jerome.sinangote@msugensan.edu.ph
Jun Rex H. Halique. Master of Public Administration major in Organization and Management. Associate Professor IV, Mindanao State University – General Santos. Email: junrex.halique@msugensan.edu.ph
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by Mindanao State University – General Santos. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by Mindanao State University – General Santos.
Data and Materials Availability
AI Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the author used Quillbot in paraphrasing ideas. The author takes full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of contents generated using AI.
Notes
Acknowledgement
This study would not have been possible without the support and guidance of many people. It would have not been finished if not for the help and contribution of the people who extended and shared their assistance, time, ideas, efforts and support. The researcher would like to express his sincerest thanks and gratitude to the following: To the Mindanao State University, General Santos, College of Social Sciences and Humanities Graduate Program, for the opportunity to pursue this study. Deepest appreciation is given to my adviser, Professor Jun Rex H. Halique, for his invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the research process. The researcher would also like to thank the panel members, especially Dr. Beverly Garcia for her assistance and encouragement. Special thanks are extended to Arch. Raquel Pajarillo – the Tourism Officer of LGU Malapatan who was instrumental to my study; to the research participants in Malapatan including local government officials, tourism stakeholders, and community members, for their willingness to share their insights and experiences. Finally, the researcher would like to acknowledge the support of family and friends, who provided unwavering encouragement and understanding during the course of this study.
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Cite this article:
Sinangote, J.P. & Halique, J.R.H. (2025). Strategic public management for sustainable eco-cultural tourism development in Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Journal of Hospitality, Tourism & Cultural Research, 1(3), 42-69. https://doi.org/10.53378/jhtcr.353258
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