Public hearing on operation of aqua sports in Lapu-Lapu today

CEBU, Philippines - A public hearing as regards the regulation of aqua sports in Lapu-Lapu City starts today at 9 a.m. at the Tambuli Beach resort in barangay Maribago.

Hotel operators and beach resort owners are expected at the public hearing.

Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Alexander Gestopa, Jr. chairman of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, told The FREEMAN that he has received feedbacks on the subject of aqua sports but declined to say whether these were pleasant or not.

"Daghan na kaayo ang mipakita sa ilang pagpakabana bahin sa atong giduso nga ordinansa, kay daghan man usab ang nanginabuhi tungod niini," Gestopa said.

However, Councilor Gestopa said there is a need for the city council to look into the operations and the need for control.

The proposed ordinance is an offshoot to the series of incidents involving jetskis that have claimed lives of fishermen.

Lapu-Lapu police records show that most incidents happened in barangay Punta Engaño.

Under the proposed ordinance, a certification should be issued by the city government recognizing the holder's compliance with the standards required in the operation of the sport concerned.

It also proposes limiting para-sails altitude to not more than 600 feet high.

A jetski, wave runner, para-sail, banana boats, and similar rides shall take passengers and riders only from a floating station/platform located some 150 meters offshore, away from shore bathers and outside of any specially designated areas such as marine sanctuaries. (FREEMAN)