Canyoneering, water rafting in Cebu City soon – Pesquera

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Tourism Commission is launching very soon canyoneering and water rafting activities in the mountain barangays as added tourist destinations in the city.

Lawyer Jocelyn Pesquera, city’s tourism head, said this is the first time the city will offer such tourism activities considering that it is only known for heritage sites.

“First time nga duna tay canyoneering ug water rafting dinhi sa city,” Pesquera said.

The city has yet to identify which mountain barangay.

She said the city government is rolling out an extensive tourism campaign showcasing waterfalls, caves, mountain resorts, flower farms, overlooking parks, among others.

Pesquera said the city government has hired 16 tour guides as job order workers to help the tourism commission in arranging tour packages to promote the city’s hidden treasures.

These tour guides were among those who have lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic.

According to Pesquera, the city’s tourism industry is now open albeit operating on a 50-percent capacity considering that Cebu City is still under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Executive Order 89 issued by Mayor Edgardo Labella last year allows tourist spots and travel agencies to operate under MGCQ.

The tourism sector is among those heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pesquera said they have guided the tourism sector to obtain accreditation from the Department of Tourism and adapt the new normal.

Tourism operators were reminded to strictly implement the safety protocols such as wearing of mask and face shield and    observe physical distancing. — FPL  (FREEMAN)