It used to be that only those who rent a motorized boat can access the dive spots along Hilutongan channel in Olango island.
But with the construction of a boardwalk in barangay San Vicente, people can now go to a dive spot without using a boat.
Almost half a kilometer boardwalk from the mangrove area to the sea was recently opened to the public for ecotourism. With this, tourists will now have access to the marine sanctuary dive spot, more water recreational activities and a walk through the mangroves.
San Vicente barangay captain Cyrus Eyas said they have long planned to construct the boardwalk that would connect the dive spot to the shoreline.
They were able to complete the project in three months, using P600,000 from the barangay’s coffers. Made of wood and bamboo, part of the boardwalk floats on water with the use of empty plastic drums.
FLOATING COTTAGE
A makeshift floating cottage was also built over the dive spot to serve as briefing area and venue for a food and a dive shop center currently managed by the barangay.
“But we are planning to organize a group to manage this project,” Eyas said.
The barangay collects user’s fee for their water recreational activities at the marine sanctuary, earning a monthly income of P80,000. Barangay leaders hope to increase the amount with the opening of the boardwalk and other recreational activities.
They offer diving, snorkeling, fish feeding and camping. Fees range from P50 to P100 while the entrance fee to the mangrove walk is P25.
The marine sanctuary is the first in Olango island with a mangrove walk, boardwalk and other recreational activities open to the public.