Trainings, awareness drive on Oslob’s whale sharks

Tourism officials see a huge potential for ecotourism in Oslob town as personified by the presence of whale sharks there.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism said an awareness campaign and a study on the marine biodiversity in Oslob town should be done due to the increase of tourist arrivals in that area.

DOT said they will help the Oslob municipal government develop ecotourism in the town by providing trainings for the boatmen and locals involved in dealing with the whale sharks.

“This opportunity to bring economic benefits to the community of Oslob has to be carefully planned and managed so that it becomes a sustainable activity,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

He said the tourism awareness program will educate the community on responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism.

A food safety seminar will also be held for service providers, especially the small vendors.

Since Oslob has few accomodations, the DOT will also train locals who provide lodging services to tourists with training on household operation of homestay services.

Regional DOT-7 Director Rowena Montecillo told Cebu Daily News that they will also help regulate whale shark watching activity.

She said a reef study will identify and monitor the marine species in the area.

Montecillo said the study will also determine the possible effects on the manual feeding of whale sharks and the sustainability of their food supply.

DOT will also lead an observation visit to Donsol to be attended by local boatmen directly involved in eco-tourism activities in Oslob town.

“We target the training programs to be conducted in March, starting with the boatmen,” Jimenez said. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya