Zip-line expected to boost tourism in Liloan

CEBU, Philippines - The 800-meter Papa Kits Zipline, located between barangays Poblacion and Tayud in Liloan town formally opened to the public yesterday.

Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment.

These may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds.

Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy.

Zip-line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts.

The family of lawyer Democrito Mendoza poured more than P3 million as initial investments to open Zipline.

Papa Kits Zipline serves as an added attraction to the existing Papa Kits Marina and Fishing Lagoon, which is owned by the lawyer who is thenational president of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

Michael Mendoza, vice president for Operations for the Visayas of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, told The FREEMAN that the idea came up when some of his brothers were at the fishing lagoon.

Mendoza said one of his brothers thought about putting a zipline in their place to attract more visitors.

He said after agreeing to put up Zipline, men who were experts in this type of business were hired.

Mendoza said they are aware that it is existing in Cebu City, Balamban, Bohol, and in Mindanao.

He said the zipline in Liloan is differs from other ziplines because the one in Liloan traverses the sea while the others are located in mountains.

He said equipment was purchased in United States and other countries to assure the safety of users.

"Nahibawo kita nga dili lalim ni nga klase sa sports entertainment, mao nga naningkamot gayud kita nga maseguro gayud nga sila luwas kon mugamit na sa zipline," said Mendoza.

 Reynold "Oloy" Mijares, one of the men who helped construct the zipline told The FREEMAN it took a month to build the zipline.

Mijares who previously worked for the Visayan Electric Company said cables and equipment that met international standards were used to assure customers' safety.

Mijares said a number of local and foreign tourists are expected to visit the place now that it is open to the public.

Rev. Father Camilo Sestoso, assistant parish priest of the San Fernando Rey Parish in Liloan town, officiated the blessing.

Fr. Sestoso and Mendoza rode the zipline for the blessing of the other end of the zipline at an islet.

Liloan town officials hope the attraction would help boost tourism in the town.

A zip-line (also known as a flying fox, foefie slide, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide or tyrolean crossing) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline.

It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley. (FREEMAN)