ILOILO CITY — Residents of Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo want the government to consult them regarding environmental and tourism policies instead of closing down establishments.
This sentiment was conveyed by the Island Sustainable Development Alliance (ISDA), composed of local officials, people’s organizations, school officials and resort owners, in their joint statement sent to Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. through the Department of Tourism (DOT) 6 (Western Visayas).
The statement came after DOT-6 Director Helen Catalbas recommended the temporary and voluntary closure of some establishments on Gigantes Islands to pave the way for the upgrade of their facilities to better cater to tourists.
“If the voluntary closure of resort establishments on Gigantes Islands is seen as the best possible solution, we are willing to cooperate with DOT Region 6, the provincial government of Iloilo, and other government agencies. However, we would like to be reassured that the closure will be comprehensive, and to involve halting of day tour activities,” the statement said.
They also acknowledged the need for more guidance, mentoring and coaching.
“We express our support to any development initiative that will redound to rightful benefits and entitlement for local stakeholders to enable us to set up strong community-based mechanisms to protect and sustain our natural, cultural and tourism assets,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Catalbas welcomed the reaction of the locals.
“We are very happy with the overwhelming reaction of Gigantes Islands’ stakeholders to my suggestion that if nothing works to solve the various environmental and legal issues that are rapidly suffocating mainland Carles and nearby communities, voluntary self-closure to tourism activities on a temporary basis would be in order,” she said in an interview.
Catalbas, however, clarified that they do not have the power to require establishments to close down because it is the mandate of the local government unit.
She encouraged other establishments to level up to accreditable standard because only Solina Resort has been accredited by the DOT so far.
“We have been consistent to upgrade the standard of resorts in the Carles area through our accreditation campaign,” she said.
She said they have been conducting an Ecoguiding and Cave Guiding Seminar on July 16-21 to enable tour guides to exercise their profession and be advocates of sustainable tourism at the same time. (PNA)
