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)
