Lusaran Lighthouse: From Ruins To Observation Deck
By Sue Clark on Apr 21, 2008 in News 
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Phillippine Lighthouse Will Maintain Rustic Look
The ruins of the 18th century Spanish lighthouse at Sitio Guisi, Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia on the island of Guimaras might be rehabilitated into an observation deck for tourists if the Department of Tourism Secretary has his way. According to a story at The News Today, Secretary Joseph Ace Durano wants to rehabilitate the ruins of the Lusaran Point lighthouse, while at the same time maintaining the “rustic look” of the site. Plans are to turn it into a viewing deck for tourists. The Tourism Department will provide the funding for this project.
There are no plans to pave the road leading up to the lighthouse. In fact, the Secretary merely wants the road/trail to be graded as the terrain is quite rugged. But preservation of the rusticity of the site is important. According to the story:
Global tourism is now the trend but with emphasis on the preservation of the ecology and environment. The Guisi Discovery Quest will enable the tourist to experience nature, experience community life and tourism services [that] are provided by the community. Tourists now want to experience community life especially those in Western countries. They are curious on how people in the community live, Durano said.
Guisi Discovery Quest
The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of what is referred to as the Guisi Discovery Quest. This is a package tour for up to five persons, and gives the visiting tourist an opportunity to explore the Trail of the Adventure in the island’s heritage site. The tour starts from Sitio Guisi where the ruins of the 18th Century old Spanish lighthouse is found. Tourists can also enjoy mountain hiking, enjoy local food and its cultural presentation.
Guisi Discovery Quest is a community-based heritage tourism project of the Tourism Department, and was launched after the Department of Tourism (DOT), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources completed its development program.
The light was built in 1894 and is not active. It stands 58 feet tall (17.5 meters) and is built of cast iron. The keeper’s house is also in ruins.
Photo credit: Lusaran Point Lighthouse from Explore Iloilo. Some rights reserved.
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