Regulate adventure tourism – VM

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella has called on officials of the 80 barangays in Cebu City to put regulations for adventure tourism in place to ensure the safety of tourists.

Labella made the call because activities like canyoneering, mountain climbing/trekking, spelunking or cave explorations, river rafting and diving, allied sports of adventure tourism “pose physical risk” or, in a worst case scenario, “death.”

For instance, a 17-year-old football player drowned in Kabang Waterfalls in Barangay Budlaan last June during what was supposed to be a team-building activity. In Alegria town, a local canyoneering tour guide drowned when he dived into the Kanlaob River while accompanying tourists.

“It is upon these considerations that I am urging all barangay officials in our localities that are endowed with adventure tourism potentials to monitor the activities related and craft rules and regulations for the safety of the tourists,” Labella said.

Putting regulations in place would even increase the income of tourism initiatives in the city’s hinterland barangays.

Adventure spot

In line with tourism development efforts, Labella wants the city to develop the Kabang Waterfalls into one of Cebu’s adventure tourist destinations.

“We have sacred paradise here. We have to promote the area because it has plenty to offer from scenic views to adventures,” Labella said during a visit to the site with members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the press yesterday.

The waterfall is five meters tall and drops into a pool that is 20 feet deep.

The tricky passageways going to the “secret haven” can spice up a three-hour hike from the base camp in Sitio Baogo.

Aside from Kabang, Budlaan is also proud of its Tinisig-uwang falls.

Budlaan barangay captain Nerissa Antolihao said Kabang Waterfalls has been an attraction since 2000 but remains undeveloped due to lack of funds.

Labella said he will notify the City Council and the Department of Tourism about the matter so that appropriate interventions can be put in place and funding can be allocated.

“It’s time for us to showcase the area as a tourist spot. I will bring it to the Council and DOT for them to see the tourism potential of the area,” he said. — (FREEMAN)