French cruise ship’s Leyte visit inspires locals

HINDANG, Leyte, April 2  -- The positive feedback of foreign tourists has inspired the local government here to step up conservation efforts of Cuatro Islas, promoted as one of the country’s destinations for cruise tourism.

Hindang town Mayor Betty Cabal said the 215 tourists on board French cruise ship L’Austral of Compagnie du Ponant noticed how locals maintain the cleanliness of the island even with frequent visits of tourists.

The ship made a stop on March 28 in Himukilan and Mahaba islands, known as the two of the four picturesque islands of Cuatro Islas.

The two islands were the point of entry of the cruise ship’s visit to the Philippines after Indonesia. The ship headed to Sibuyan Island and Palawan then concluded its country’s tour in Manila on March 31.

“Not a single trash was seen by tourist during their stay. This is a testament that the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are on the right direction in teaching residents how to protect the environment,” Cabal said.

The more than 200 families in Himukilan island were taught on how to segregate solid waste and dispose the garbage at the Material Recovery Facility.

Cabal pointed out that although more tourists would mean more income, they have to be strict in environmental protection to keep the natural wonders of the island.

“Since this is a protected area, the local government cannot make any final decision when it comes to investments, but the Protected Area Management Board of the DENR. We, in the local government are firm in protecting the island’s natural beauty and its rich marine resources,” Cabal told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.

Inopacan Mayor Silvestre Lumarda shared that with the visit of the foreign cruise ship in Mahaba Island has opened windows of opportunities in the island in terms of tourism.

“Even if we want development, we are bent on implementing strict policies to protect the island from destruction of over-crowding, unregulated building of structures, and waste disposal,” Lumarda said.

As suggested by the DENR, only 500 tourists are allowed to tour Cuatro Islas every day.

Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas tourism development area manager Rina Apostol said the visit of L’Austral in Himukilan and Mahaba is the first of the two visits in Eastern Visayas this year.

L’Austral is scheduled to return on June 20 and will be bringing another group of European tourists to the two islands.

According to tour handler Justin Friend, L’Austral is an expedition cruise ship that focuses on giving on-shore experiences to cruise passenger, allowing them to interact with locals and learn local traditions and culture.

“We want to give the true Filipino experiences. Most people see Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa and these areas could be a typical tourist spot anywhere in the world, but when you come here, you would know what people could say about the Philippines. It’s a genuine experience,” Friend explained.

In Himukilan, the cruise tourists landed at the white sandbar early morning. They headed to Himukilan Elementary School where they saw cultural presentations such as traditional dances, song and games.

During the tour, they witnessed how locals weave mats using indigenous materials, fishing net making, and motorboat building.

They also tasted local delicacies made of banana, sticky rice, local wine, fresh coconut juice.

After spending almost five hours in Himukilan, the tourist went back to the cruise ship and sailed to nearby Mahaba Island in the town of Inopacan.

Pristine sea water, a long stretch of white sand beach, limestone cliff and towering coconut trees welcomed them.

In the island, the tourist had a half-day of fun swimming at the beach, while others just lie on the white sand and enjoy the beauty of the sea.

Other were busy tasting delicacies of Inopacan town and buying souvenir items like native bags, mats and plate mats. The tourists left before sunset.

Prior to the visit, the tourism department held series of training to residents of Hindang and Inopacan towns on proper tourist handling, effected customer service and proper preparation on welcoming the tourist.

Prior to the cruise visit, Kalangaman Island in Palompon, Leyte; Limasawa, Southern Leyte; and Capul, Northern Samar were the first three destinations included in cruise tourism.

Cuatro Islas, composed of four islands, is surrounded by crystalline water that changes color from deep blue to turquoise green and is teeming with marine life.

The islands of Digyo, Mahaba and Apid belong to Inopacan town, while Himukilan Island is part of Hindang. In April 23, 2000, the DENR declared Cuatro Islas as Protected Seascape and Landscape. (RTA/PNA)