Capitol wants to regulate Osmeña Peak use, ensure safety of tourists

Rock formations on Osmeña Peak facing the shores of Tañon Strait. CDN FILE PHOTO

THE Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) plans to install signages at the Osmeña Peak in Badian town to properly guide tourists.

PTO Head Joselito “Boboi” Costas said signages are especially needed to ensure the security of visitors while they remain at the ecotourism site that is now beginning to experience soil erosion.

However, he said, there is a need for them to first finish an ongoing assessment of the area to especially identity what kinds of signages are need and how they would go about its installation.

Costas said there was also a need to determine the peak’s carrying capacity.

Osmeña Peak that is located in Barangay Patong, Badian or about 106.8 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, is a famous ecotourism destination among hikers and mountain climbers.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale earlier said that the peak is already showing signs of soil erosion.

“We have been instructed by the vice governor to put signages (in the area to warn tourists of possible danger). But before we do that, mag-come up pa mi og study about Osmeña Peak,” Costas said.

Initially, Costas said, he is thinking of putting up three kinds of signages – regulatory, directional and informative – at the peak.

“You are there because you want to admire rock formation which was formed probably thousands of years ago. Ang point dinha is really to appreciate the unique formation and characteristics of the peak,” Costas said.

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