Cebu’s time to shine

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu stands to benefit from the six-month closure of Boracay as the province boasts of a long list of attractions, including white sand beaches and crystal seawaters, a tourism official said.

Department of Tourism-7 Director Shalimar Tamano said Cebu and Bohol, which are among the alternative destinations being promoted by the agency to local and international visitors, are likely to experience a surge in tourist arrivals amid Boracay’s impending shutdown.

He said the opening of a second terminal at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) this June and the Panglao International Airport in Bohol this November is expected to further boost influx of tourists.

“These two airports will be ready then. And we have the products to offer to the tourists,” Tamano told The FREEMAN in a phone interview on Thursday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the total closure of Boracay for six months, starting April 26, to pave the way for the island’s restoration.

Yesterday, Governor Hilario Davide III urged tourists to consider Cebu as their next destination as he called on the local chief executives of towns and cities to ensure that environmental laws are strictly observed in their respective areas.

“Cebu should just expect that those tourists nga bound for Boracay, in case they change their mind, ari nalang sila diri sa Cebu. Actually, not only Cebu but also Bohol,” Davide said in an exclusive interview.

Cebu Offerings

From trekking to diving, Cebu is home to many attractions.

Bantayan Island offers white sands, pristine waters, and long shorelines. Other famous destinations include the islands of Sumilon, Camotes, and Malapascua, which is often dubbed as the “Little Boracay of Cebu.” 

Oslob town in the south is prized for its “gentle giants” or whale sharks, while Moalboal is known for its diving spots.

For the adventurous, Cebu also offers trekking, canyoneering, waterfalls, and camping activities.

Davide said he is confident that host resorts or guides are capable of ensuring the safety and enjoyment of their guests.

This month, he said, the provincial government will resume its Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo campaign, bringing tourists to Camotes on April 21-22. The host towns will include Tudela, San Francisco, and Poro.

Hurdles

Tamano believes Cebu and Bohol have done so much to offer to tourists, adding that now is the opportune time for both islands to showcase their tourist spots.

The DOT-7 chief also said these provinces remain to be attractive destinations because of continuous campaign to promote them locally and abroad.

But efforts to lure in more tourists will not come easy as there some challenges that need to be addressed, two of which are the issue on security and the availability of rooms to cater to the increased demand.

On security, Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery, Police Regional Office-7 director, said police authorities have laid down preparations to ensure that visitors to the region are safe.

Officials from the PRO-7 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command met in a command conference on Wednesday to discuss, among others, their contingency plans for security this summer.

“We are coming up with a contingency plan, particularly on security, especially with the orders of the President to close Boracay starting April 26, we are expecting influx to Central Visayas, that’s why a meeting was conducted to draw up plans for security,” Quenery said.

For its part, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has assured the public, especially the tourists, that medical centers are made available in tourism areas, especially those offering extreme activities.

PDRRMO information officer Julius Regner said these medical centers are manned by medical personnel from rural health units (RHUs). Local responders are also stationed where guests have easy access in case of an emergency.

Regner said medical stations have been already present in tourist destinations even before. In anticipation for the influx this summer, personnel from RHUs and local disaster offices will be augmented into those centers.

He also said the PDRRMO will continue monitoring areas where tourists are expected to flock, such as beaches and falls.

Another major concern is the trash generated by tourists, so Regner urged LGUs to maintain cleanliness in their areas amid the upswing of visitors.

He also reminded tour operators, the LGUs, and tour guides to always prioritize the safety of their guests, especially those joining extreme activities such as ziplining and canyoneering in Alegria and Badian.

Sustainability

According to a Philippine Star report yesterday, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the six-month closure of Boracay was approved by President Duterte during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.

“DENR-DOT-DILG (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Department of Tourism-Department of the Interior and Local Government) proposal approved after an exhaustive discussion,” Guevarra said.

Last February, Duterte called Boracay a cesspool as he decried the lack of a sewerage system on the island.

He threatened to shut down the island and file charges against officials who did nothing to prevent its deterioration.

The environment, interior and tourism departments had proposed a six-month closure of the island to allow rehabilitation.

The trade department, however, said the closure should be done in phases to soften the impact on residents’ livelihood on the island.

Carlo Suarez, president of the Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants Association in Cebu, earlier said that while the local tourism industry remains competitive, operators of tour sites should strive to keep their attractions sustainable.

“Cebu’s tourism remains competitive and at par with international standards,” he said, but stressed that sustainable tourism is key to ensuring the industry’s continued growth, which is strengthened by its diverse history and natural tourist spots.

“Of course, in all these, we make it to a point that the developments toward Cebu becoming a premiere tourist destination be in a sustainable manner. (We must keep) in mind that we do not forget the responsibilities relating to the government and local communities,” Suarez said. — with Le Phyllis F. Antojado, Mae Clydyl L. Avila, and Philippine Star News Service/JMD (FREEMAN)