Capitol intervenes Badian-Alegria row over canyoneering activities

CEBU, Philippines —  A comprehensive guidebook will be crafted by the Capitol as it takes over the regulations of the canyoneering activities in Badian in southern Cebu.

In a dialogue with canyoneering operators and tour guides in Badian, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia explained that she wants a standard implementation of regulations with the rest of other areas.

The Public Information Office reported that the Capitol will not only take over rehabilitation works in Kawasan Falls but also the regulations of the canyoneering activities there.

Currently, the operations in Kawasan Falls and the canyoneering activities in Badian are suspended after authorities found out that remnants and debris from the typhoon Odette are still present in the canyoneering trails and are posing danger to the tourists.

Garcia conducted an inspection at Kawasan Falls on June 21 together with the local officials.

During her visit in southern Cebu, Garcia also pacified the conflict between Badian and Alegria about the canyoneering activities in both towns.

According to Sugbo News, the news portal of Cebu Province, a meeting with the officials from both towns was conducted where Alegria Mayor Gilberto Magallon told the governor that Badian Mayor Carmen Lumain has installed police officers at their shared point of canyoneering trail which shortened the canyoneering trail for Alegria.

In the said report, Lumain defended that she did that after the Governor's issuance of Executive Order No. 14 series of 2023 earlier this month that suspends the canyoneering activities in Badian.

However, the governor said that the EO specifically banned canyoneering in the first to third jump points of Badian

“There is no danger to these 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th jumps; and there is no reason to close it kay it does not cause danger to any of the canyoneering guests,” Garcia said in the report.

In order to come up with cooperation and system and to once and for all establish the area that belongs to what LGU, Badian and Alegria with geodetic engineers from DENR will conduct a joint survey on the canyoneering trail this month of July. — GMR (FREEMAN)