TOUR operators at Alegria-Badian canyoneering area will soon be required to secure accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) to hold canyoneering activities there.
Ecotourism consultant Joselito Costas of the Cebu Investments Promotion Office (CIPO) said the accreditation of canyoneering tour operators is part of the tourism plan, which has to be formulated and laid out in two months as stated in the order of Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.
Davide through an executive order suspended canyoneering activities in the area starting June 1 until August 1 so that policies and strict guidelines on conducting the extreme sport can be put in place.
“The accreditation is for us to ensure the safety of our guests and the guides,” said Costas during the Kapistorya sa Kapitolyo program yesterday.
He said they were still drafting the rules and guidelines of the accreditation, but the requirement for a safety management plan will definitely be part of the operator’s accreditation prerequisites.
FOCUS AREAS
Costas also cited the three areas they were focusing to realize the tourism plan.
These are planning and policy, where the accreditation part of the plan is included; the infrastructure and site development; and the social impact of the project.
He said these three areas have one main goal and that is to ensure the safety of everyone while enjoying a professional adventure experience.
He said the funds for the tourism plan will be taken from the Cebu Ecotourism allocation with a counterpart fund from the local government units.
He also emphasized the importance of visitor management in the area because their conduct or activities in the area may affect the environment, especially the wildlife.
He cited an example of when tourists shout in the area during these activities; this disrupts the soundscape balance of the area’s ecosystem.
While the canyoneering suspension is implemented, the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) together with the local government unit, will launch a Food for Work Program together to help affected operators and tour guides with alternative employment to make up for lost income.
In this program, the local materials in the community will be used as raw materials for the building of the infrastructure needed in the canyoneering activities.
Costas said they would make sure that these proposed regulations for the tourism plan would be passed at the municipal level and at the Provincial Board level./UP Intern Amy A. Macalinao