This study examined the extent of implementation of ecotourism programs in the Municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, and their relationship to ecotourism development in terms of economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed, involving local residents and visiting tourists as respondents. Data were collected using a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using mean and Pearson product–moment correlation.

Results revealed that the overall extent of ecotourism program implementation was rated very good (𝑀 = 4.08). Among the program components, transportation obtained the highest mean (𝑀 = 4.19), followed by human resources (𝑀 = 4.21), infrastructure and utilities (𝑀 = 4.06), promotion (𝑀 = 4.03), and accommodation (𝑀 = 3.92). Ecotourism development was likewise rated high, with mean scores of 3.97 for economic development, 4.03 for socio-cultural development, and 3.98 for environmental development.

Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between ecotourism program implementation and ecotourism development (p < 0.05). Transportation exhibited the strongest correlation with ecotourism development (𝑟 = 0.751), followed by infrastructure and utilities (𝑟 = 0.653), accommodation (𝑟 = 0.652), promotion (𝑟 = 0.622), and human resources (𝑟 = 0.495). These results indicate that improved implementation of ecotourism programs significantly contributes to enhanced local development outcomes.

The findings underscore the importance of sustained investment in ecotourism planning, community capacity-building, and environmental management. Strengthening infrastructure, transportation systems, and human resource development is essential to sustaining ecotourism initiatives; thus, an intervention program is proposed to enhance implementation and promote sustainable local development.