Preserving serenity

I was lucky enough to have time off over the long weekend. Just like many other locals, I also headed for the beach. My yearly promise is not just to go to any beach; I made sure that I was in one of Cebu's best: Bantayan Island. Of course, it was not an easy feat to get there. We were at par with the hundreds of thousands who were also scampering to get a trip to wherever they were headed. Others were on their way to see their families or to spend Holy Week in their hometown. Those who found work too overwhelming needed a quick breather.

That time off allowed me to appreciate how a local government unit like Santa Fe strived to preserve their natural beauty. We didn’t find ourselves in a too-commercialized seashore but in a rather homey space that boasted of white sand beach and pristine waters. It was an experience like no other, that I look forward to every year. The LGU didn’t miss informing its visitors what they should expect when they get there. They knew their responsibility for the natural gem bestowed to them.

For instance, there is a huge LED screen in the town proper to emphasize the town rules. They don’t allow any collapsible structure 20 meters within the lowest tide of the sea. There is also a limit to water activities as well as loitering by the shore. The LGU also made sure there is a curfew to respect other individuals who want to rest during their vacation. Littering is strictly prohibited. Although trash can still be seen sparsely thanks to irresponsible beachgoers, they immediately dispatch a team to clean up.

It is a bold move for such a town to make drastic measures to preserve what they have. Not all towns and cities blessed with natural resources are able to implement the necessary steps to protect their natural resources. There are other things that they need to consider such as manpower and other technicalities. While there is still the suggestion to implement fines on those littering, the LGU knows better how to respond.

Santa Fe is a model town that others should notice. They may not be perfect but they know how to strike a balance between tourism and preserving the environment. Many of their small businesses admit they haven’t recovered from the pandemic and that visitors now are few compared to before. However, they aren’t jacking up prices like other beaches. I like Santa Fe because of this notion. It is true, pure, and bold. It shows you what it can offer with no holds barred. Other areas should follow suit to preserve our title of being a tourist hub.