Barili wants to be included in Capitol tourism package

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipality of Barili has asked the Capitol for its inclusion in the plan to package ecotourism in the Midwest of Cebu.

The municipal council made the request after it found out that the package only covers Tabuelan, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan.

“Comparing Barili with other LGUs mentioned, Barili has its own unique attractions and potentials,” read the resolution.

These attractions include the famous Mantayupan Falls that is simultaneously harnessed to produce electricity and supply the irrigation projects; the Bolocboloc Hot Springs; the Mount Salay Hermitage; different beach resorts; the Kang-Undo Caves; the Molave Milk Station and Farm; and the nine barangays already involved in organic farming.

 Councilor Rene Alquizola said the municipality has already its Tourism Code ready for full implementation.

 The provincial government has hired Joselito “Boboi” Costas as consultant on ecotourism and worked in the assessment of ecotourism sites in Midwest Cebu.

 This is part of Capitol’s initiative to create a community-based eco-tourism project that, according to Costas, emphasizes authenticity, creativity of locals, innovation and stakeholder support.

 This ecotourism project covers not only the beautiful sites but include cultural traditions and food as well.

The possible LGU counterpart would be infrastructure development and participation of stakeholders in terms of food and fare for training participants.

The latest from this ecotourism project, according to Costas, is the call for tour guides interpreters who will be trained to share with tourists the significance of a place or practice, such as the “palina” in Aloguinsan to drive bad spirits away.

 The target is also to train locals who may be farmers, fishermen and their wives as tour guides like in Aloguinsan.

They will also be trained to be dolphin spotters by marine biologists from the University of the Philippines-Diliman Marine Science Department.  (FREEMAN)