Capitol eyes co-managing of canyoneering activities

Alegria and Badian towns in southern Cebu are trying to resolve the boundary issue that is seen to affect canyoneering activities in the two towns (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO).

After the lifting of the suspension of canyoneering activities in Alegria and Badian towns in southern Cebu, the Cebu provincial government is encouraging both towns to co-manage canyoneering activities in the area.

This developed after Badian officials raised the boundary dispute over the Kanlaob River by Badian town and Alegria town during the provincial consultative meeting yesterday in Badian.

The river, which traverses both towns, is where the canyoneering activities are being held.

Badian Municipal Councilor Edwin Celeste said that with the boundary issue, both towns had held separate canyoneering activities on their sides of the river.

Celeste said that although it is not still officially announced by Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) but in the Cadastral boundary, most parts of the river is under Alegria. But in the municipal boundary, most of it are in Badian.

He said he would want the DENR to do a location survey on the disputed boundary.

He said that in a canyoneering activity, there are seven jumps in the river, and four of those river jumps belong to the Badian side.

Celeste and the other town officials present during the meeting said that they would not have any problem on co-managing the canyoneering activities in the area.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who was with the Capitol group, said that she would set a meeting with the two town mayors to resolve the issue.

“We will address ecological concerns, the legal and the sustainability concerns. And only a provincial ordinance can solve that,” Magpale said.

After two months of suspension due to safety issues, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III lifted the suspension of canyoneering activities in the two towns last September 1.

But as the suspension was lifted, both towns still operated their canyoneering activities separately. In Badian, the River Kanlaob entrance is at Barangay Solsugan while in Alegria, the river entrance is at Barangay Compostela. These areas are where each town hold their canyoneering activities.

Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas said the river is an ecotourism destination and should be facilitated by both local government units.

Costas, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., and Provincial Legal Officer Orvi Ortega, who were all present at the meeting, told the Badian officials about the benefits of co-managing the river because it would be the best way and it would be more convenient for tourists, who wish to enjoy canyoneering activities in both towns.