Outdoor activities regulation pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Following an incident that cost the life of a person during a trekking activity in Barangay Budlaan, the Cebu City Government, through a legislative intervention, has outlined stricter guidelines to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

This measure was proposed by Councilor David Tumulak, who chairs Council Committee on Disasterl, in response to the growing demand for trekking and other outdoor activities in the city.

In his proposed ordinance, Tumulak said trekking trails have become hazardous due to slippery terrain and sudden water surges, while an elevated risk of landslides poses a greater danger to trekkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

A 21-year-old man tragically drowned, while three others sustained injuries as flash floods struck without warning. Tumulak said that the incident highlighted the vulnerability of outdoor activities to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions.

While the incident was not isolated, Tumulak said, in his proposed ordinance, that Budlaan has reported multiple fatalities and serious injuries over the past decade.

These incidents resulted from sudden water surges and flash floods during trekking, underscoring the urgent need to adopt stringent safety protocols and risk mitigation measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“In light of such incidents, it is imperative to implement stringent guidelines and establish safety measures with clear operational protocols for trekking and similar outdoor activities, to safeguard lives and promote responsible tourism outdoor activities,” the proposed irdinance read.

Once approved, the ordinance will cover all upland barangays and trekking zones known for hiking trails, trekking activities, waterfalls, and other outdoor natural tourist attractions.

It will also apply to all LGU-accredited tourism operators, accredited tour guides, freelance tour guides, and recreational service providers promoting trekking adventures, water-based activities, mountain biking, and all-terrain vehicle rides.

The ordinance included the designation of a tourism safety officer, a barangay disaster risk reduction and management officer, or other authorized barangay personnel. Their responsibilities would include mandatory registration at the barangay level before engaging in trekking, hiking, biking, and other related outdoor activities.

Before any outdoor activity is allowed, a pre-assessment of the weather conditions and a site inspection must also be conducted, the draft measure stated.

About site accreditation, only LGU-verified waterfall trekking and swimming sites in rivers, streams, or tributaries may be promoted or used.

There would also be a trail registration, requiring all trekkers to register at the Barangay Command Post before entering the trails, while accredited local guides will be mandatory for unfamiliar or intermediate-level trails.

Before any activity begins, a mandatory safety briefing will be conducted, covering designated hiking trails, terrain risks, weather updates, environmental sanitation, wildlife warnings, designated campsites, and adherence to safety protocols.

The guidelines also emphasized the need for safety gear and the use of a buddy system, where at least one person must accompany another, discouraging solo travel.

Once approved, the ordinance will mandate all trekking associations operating within the jurisdictional trail or trekking eco-tourism zones of Cebu City to secure accreditation from the City Tourism Office, in coordination with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

“The accreditation's validity shall be proof of authority to operate and conduct trail or hiking guides to local and foreign trekkers or outdoor adventurists,” the proposed ordinance read.

The CCDRRMO, on the other hand, shall conduct bi-annual disaster simulations for outdoor adventure site activities. (CEBU NEWS)