Ilocos Norte's summer fling with the humpback whales

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines --  Magnificent humpback whales measuring 12 to 16 meters long  escaping the colder parts of the Pacific Ocean and  loving  the Philippines' warm waters are being awaited in Pagudpud town in Ilocos Norte.

The whales are lending additional excitement to tourists in the northern province as well as to conservationists. Meanwhile,   the World Wildlife Fund Philippines are heading to Pasaleng Bay in Pagudpud, to document the rare phenomenon.

Tourism chief Ian Raquel of the Office of Gov. Imee Marcos confirmed the arrival of the WWF, which also witnessed last year  the whales' arrival and began efforts to protect these rare sea creatures.

Ilocos Norte became a hit among conservationists and tourists as a pair of humpback whales and their young flocked to its warm waters in  April last year.

“The waters of Ilocos Norte  have been a haven for endangered marine species which are migrating to warm waters," Raquel said.

Last year the Ilocos Norte tourism office sought  Lemnuel Aragones, associate professor at UP Diliman’s Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, to give insights about the whales' visit to the province's shores.

Fishermen in Pasaleng Bay have become familiar with the humpback whales.

Locals said whales have been seen yearly in the area for decades especially during the Holy Week.

Fishermen here have told of tales from their parents about the whales and how the creatures would sing, leading folks to believe that there were ghosts in the area.

Villagers also believe that whales bring in more fish catch for the community, the Ilocos Norte tourism office said.

Last year, Pagudpud fisherfolk first spotted the whales on March 31, and initially counted 10 of them.

The provincial tourism office documented an adult male and female a calf (baby whale). The baby whale is said to be practicing its early diving skills and breathing technique last year.

Earlier conservationsists advised the provincial government to make sure “that resources will be utilized properly in protecting the whales thus ensuring benefits for the locals as they prepare for the influx of tourists eager to see the unique phenomenon.”

Besides Pasaleng, a part of Sta. Praxedes in nearby Cagayan claims of also playing host to the whales.

The Ilocos Norte provincial government, particularly the town of Pagudpud, has been told to  draw up plans for income-generating projects like putting up a hilltop station that can serve as a whale-watching site for tourists.

Aragones has suggested that Pagudpud  initiate whale-watching trips like those given by Whale Adventures in San Francisco, California to “let people in the place to feel like they have a sense of ownership."

Ilocos Norte officials though said they have started giving orientation on marine conservation efforts.

These “summer visitors" would not be in danger as they stay a bit farther out but close enough for the people to enjoy watching them dive and surface, said Racquel.

Marine experts advise residents to keep distance from  the whales to avoid being hit by the whales' fins as these creatures are much different from “butandings” or whale sharks. A humpback whale is known to be overprotective of its young.