Oslob to boost tourism sector

CEBU, Philippines – Being a tourism destination in southern Cebu, Oslob is hoping to establish more tourist spots to increase its income.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren said that a big chunk of the town’s P4-million annual income comes from the proceeds of its main heritage sites. 

The town has many heritage sites like cemeteries, “bantayan sa hari” (watchtower), “kota,” century-old houses, among others, which have become the favorite destinations for local and foreign tourists.

Seeing this flow of income, Guaren said that he hopes to attract more visitors to the town’s Sumilon Island, which is a marine protected area.

The 24.5-hectare marine sanctuary, the mayor said, is already earning the town at least P40,000 per month, which could double or triple in the coming months if his goals are met.

Last Saturday, at least 30 scuba divers, who helped in the cleanup of the sanctuary, marveled at the rich coral reefs and the presence of variety of small and big fishes.

Guaren said there are already Bantay Dagat members deployed to monitor the area for illegal fishing.

Although the place has not yet victimized by dynamite fishing, several small stones used as “sinkers” have been reported to be contributing to the destruction to the corals.

The stone is actually tied loosely to the fisherman’s line so that when the fish caught the bait, the stone would automatically fall to the ground, or to the corals in most cases.

Guaren said that from now on, fishermen are strictly prohibited from entering the sanctuary. They are also invited to a seminar on marine protection last Saturday.

The sanctuary was established in 1980 but its protection changes every time a new mayor is elected, said Guaren.

He, however, assured that he will have the area protected because they will work for the sanctuary as a prime income-generating destination in the future.

“Kung patay atong turismo, way negosyo ang mabuhi,” the mayor said. — Liv G. Campo/LPM (THE FREEMAN)