Kawasan Falls ready for reopening

CEBU, Philippines —  Over a year since it was ordered temporarily closed, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is looking to reopen the world famous site, Kawasan Falls, as well as its canyoneering activities.

The governor, in a meeting with Kawasan tourism stakeholders, saw a positive development in the rehabilitation efforts being done in the area after this was temporarily closed in June 2022.

According to Sugbo News, the official Facebook page of the Cebu Provincial Government, the Kawasan Falls is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world in 2022. It is a multi-layer waterfall system of clear turquoise water located in Badian town in southern Cebu.

But its charm and rustic beauty was destroyed by typhoon Odette on December 16, 2021 including the presence of illegal man-made structures.

It can be recalled that the governor ordered its temporary closure following results from an investigation she called where it was found that hazardous materials and illegal structures are posing danger to visitors.

During that meeting, Garcia has emphasized that canyoneering guides should be trained for them to become more efficient and effective tourism ambassadors.

Thus, it was agreed that canyoneering guides will undergo a 5-day extensive training by the Department of Tourism and they will be issued with certificates afterwards.

“It professionalizes them as guides and tourism ambassadors,” said the governor.

Operators are also required to get a new Certificate of Compliance from the Provincial Tourism Office before they can operate as the Cebu Provincial Board will create an ordinance on the new regulations like guide fees, among others.

Garcia has already inspected the status of rehabilitation works currently being done in Kawasan Falls on September 28, 2023. She was accompanied by Badian Mayor Carmen Lumain, Seventh District Representative Peter John Calderon, DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Tamano and PB Members Cesar Baricuatro, Jerome Librando and Andrei “Red” Duterte. (CEBU NEWS)