SAFETY FIRST Thrill-seeking tourists enjoy the waters of Badian, Cebu, in this photo taken in March. The town, famous for its canyoneering and other outdoor activities, has decided to suspend water activities this week due to the swelling of Matutinao River following heavy rains in the past days. —NESTLE SEMILLA
CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Due to rising water levels, the local government of Badian town in Cebu province has decided to suspend all canyoneering and other water sports in Matutinao River this week.
The suspension, announced through the municipal tourism office’s social media page on Monday, remains until further notice to ensure the safety of tourists and people who want to explore the town.
Badian, located around 104 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, has become a popular destination for adventure seekers who want to try its canyoneering activities, including rappelling, rafting and waterfall jumping.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) said allowing people in canyoneering sites was too risky after the water level rose on Monday morning.
“The suspension of canyoneering activities is indefinite because we have to monitor the movement of the water. We will resume operations once the water returns to its normal level,” the MDRRMO said.
Badian’s disaster response and rescue unit has deployed a team to regularly monitor the situation in Matutinao River, which leads to the Kawasan Falls.
The town has experienced nonstop rains in the past days due to a low pressure area and the prevailing southwest monsoon.
Badian’s canyoneering and other water sports activities have played a vital role in the tourism industry of Cebu.
In March 2020, the popular destination was closed to tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five months later, in August 2020, the Cebu provincial government gave the green light for Badian to resume its canyoneering and other water sports activities to boost the struggling economy.
—NESTLE SEMILLA
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