CEBU, Philippines - The entry of tourism related projects in Talima Island in Olango is seen to boost the income generation of 5,607 residents on the island wherein livelihood still largely depends on fishing.
In an interview with Talima barangay secretary Samson A. Buatug, he said that the barangay hopes to increase the tourists’ traffic that will boost tourism revenue of the island, as well as provide extra income to residents.
Despite the rich eco-tourism potential of Talima, which is also adjacent to the world’s famous bird sanctuary in Olango, the barangay has yet to benefit from the good revenue generation of the tourism-related activities in the island.
Aside from the fish sanctuary located on the jurisdiction of the island and a few small resorts, residents’ remain dependent on fishing as their only means of livelihood.
According to Buatug, the barangay hopes to attract more eco-tourism related investments and activities on the island to provide the community with employment opportunities as well as spur small businesses especially for the wives.
The Islands Group, led by businessman and Cebu tourism prime mover Jay Aldeguer recently launched a P30 million project on Talima Island called Talima Adventure and Waterpark.
The project will maximize the 1.5 hectare beach-front property, including the water area.
This is so far the biggest investment poured on the island in the last two years. Other existing resorts are the Talima Villas and Kaw-oy floating restaurant.
According to Aldeguer, the facility will have to employ local residents, especially in manning the water sports activities and other job assignments.
As of now, only few residents are getting extra income from tourism related activities and small businesses. Buatug hopes that once the tourism traffic will increase, residents will be able to see the opportunity of making money out of tourism.
Aldeguer believes that Talima and the entire Olango island group in general can reap a good revenue generation out of tourism, if the local government unit (LGUs) will see tourism as their main revenue-generation tool.
“We have to make Olango a major attraction of Cebu. Olango has not maximized its huge potential. It is the host of a lot of tourists’ drawer attractions, like the bird sanctuary, dive site, and a lot of eco-tourism appeals.
“We are trying to revive the natural wonders of the country. We are one with the DOT’s thrust to push eco-tourism,” Aldeguer said.
Islands Group is also closely working with the Talima Marine Sanctuary Management Board, to help rehabilitate the Island’s fish sanctuary, which is also now being supported by the USAID.
While investing into eco-tourism projects need serious consideration on sustaining the ecology of the environment, Aldeguer said part of the revenue of the park will be donated to the 14-hectare fish sanctuary. (FREEMAN NEWS)