Down-free Santa Fe

CEBU, Philippines - Ribbons of saline wind wrapped around me once moreon my return to Santa Fe, reminding me of the good old feeling.I fell in love instantly (but who would not?) with this coastal town in 2003and the feeling has never been outgrown. Even though my online chatmate Maranathavowed his group, more so the LGU, will never be totally prepped up for our arrival,I lust to plant again my feet on Santa Fe’s creamy sandy beaches.

In July of this year, Maranatha broke the news on his group’s passionate efforts to make Santa Fe “drown free.” Such ignites the innate rescuer in me, so I came to be of substance in the best way I can – media mileage. But I know the place has a very carefree, laidback culture and knowing the rate of visitor influx (average of 136,000 pax a year), I doubt if media presence is still relevant? I know they are ill equipped for our presence, but the desire to be beyond town crier stirs urgently in my being. So I found myself there again, together with a limited number of writers. Well, I’m just so glad the other press people turned down the electronic invite because it could have turned out to be a nightmare for them had we been huddled in one hut, lined up for a supposed presscon but ending up immersed in a public consultation that could have lasted forever had the sun not dipped in the horizon. The following day would be an exchange of silent “whys” upon learning our supposed host wouldn’t even bother to offer coffee. We decided on brunch in 10-kilometer-away Bantayan town where the tricycle fee is exorbitant for media invitees, not tourists! P200 one-way fare for six persons is just “phew!”

But I’m still in love with Santa Fe. And the feeling has not aged a bit. Whoa! Its magical appeal weighed over the flaws and lapses of our host. And I was there gaping at a load of information, including the detractors’ take on the project.

Well, here’s what: there are 37 accommodations in Santa Fe (varying from lodges, inns, apartelles to hotels) of which 21 are resorts wherein lifeguards are required for DOT accreditation. The municipality has initiated to adopt and implement the best practice standards in water safety. To date, only four have yet supported the initiative by investing on a discounted P8,750 fee for intensive training (regular fee is P15,000) so lifeguards could be certified and directly employed.

Is this too much to ask? Maranatha Luna Ilustrisimo, Philippine Life Saving director - District of Bantayan Island, shared that the concern is not only on providing safe aquatic environment, but “moving forward towards accountable tourism by adopting international best practice standards in water safety and lifeguarding.”

Larry Joie Alag, secretary general of Philippine Life Saving, stressed that it is the group’s vision to make Santa Fe a “hub of lifesavers.” And though this is not a first in the country, it is an initial stake for a local government unit like Santa Fe that is surrounded by water — therefore, a necessity.

After a few words from detractors, Alag posed the challenge: “How ready are we then to become a prime destination?”

Alag poised that emphasizing a new tagline: “Drown-free Santa Fe” to guests would not only make them feel welcome but, most of all, secure. There’s this assurance they will not suffer the same fate as that of two Koreans who drowned while island hopping in Hilantagaan, or that of a child in Maricaban. And that a sound rescue system is in place should similar incident, like that of a motorboat sinking in Cadiz City involving Santa Fehanons, occur beyond human control.

So, the efforts towards “Drown-free Sta. Fe” are gathering momentum despite destractors’ counter moves. Tourism is the name of the game and the LGU would do well to take up the cudgels towards this direction.