Oslob learns from Donsol's whaleshark tourism

CEBU, Philippines - People in Oslob in Cebu are learning from Donsol the best ways to handle the butanding or whale sharks.

Oslob officials led by Mayor Ronald Guaren met recently with their counterparts from Donsol, Sorosgon in a study tour to Donsol, which is already world-famous for its whaleshark interaction activity.

Led by Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo and Guaren, the group was warmly received by local officials headed by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, DOT Region 5 Director Maria O. Ravanilla, and Donsol Tourism Officer Ms. Nenita Pedragosa.

“One of the primary objectives of the tour is to observe and learn from Donsol’s best practices in the management of its whaleshark watching tour, human-cetacean interaction, visitor supervision, as well as enterprise development, community involvement, and partnership approaches,” said Montecillo in a statement posted in the DOT website.

The DOT had earlier taken initial steps in equipping Oslob locals with fundamental skills and knowledge in handling butanding watching tours.

Also, seminars on effective communication, interaction protocols, etc. were conducted for boatmen to learn from.

During the workshop, Donsol’s Butanding Interaction Officers (BIO) shared their experiences and expert advice on responsible whaleshark interaction.

Both parties exchanged ideas and views on the differences of their respective whaleshark watching tours and on how they can further improve the experience of visitors.

 “The success of the whaleshark watching tour in Donsol is due to the cooperation and collaboration between the local government, community, the DOT, and private sector. I have high hopes that the successful and sustainable practices will be replicated in Oslob,” Ravanilla said.

The Municipality of Oslob, a town located near the Southern tip of Cebu, became popular in 2011 when whalesharks were spotted near the coast of Barangay Tan-awan. — (FREEMAN)