Prepare to take a plunge into cool waters during the Badian Canyoneering Adventure in Badian town, southwestern Cebu. | Contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Canyoneering activities in the southern towns of Ginatilan and Malabuyoc have been suspended indefinitely.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered to temporarily cease canyoneering operations in the two localities by issuing Executive Order (EO) No. 21.
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In her EO, Garcia cited safety concerns after the Capitol received reports that unaccredited operators and untrained tour guides have made canyoneering in these areas risky.
“There is an urgent need to temporarily close and suspend canyoneering activities in these municipalities pending: (1) the required specialized training and accreditation for tour guides; and (2) the enactment of appropriate local ordinances and rules regulating such activities, to ensure the safety and well-being of the touring public,” the EO stated.
“Any injury or mishap resulting from the gross neglect of the possible dangers that unqualified canyoneering tour guides may cause to the public would definitely adversely affect the tourism industry of Cebu,” it added.
EO No. 21 took effect on Wednesday, October 11 and until further notice.
Canyoneering is one of the most popular tourist activities in southwestern Cebu, where the municipalities of Ginatilan and Malabuyoc are located.
/bmjo
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