ANTIQUE — The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Libertad, Antique is studying the possibility of developing a whale-watching tourism activity following reported sightings of whales and whale sharks in the town’s coastal waters.
Dangielyn Unilongo, Community Affairs Officer, said in a local radio interview that recent sightings of whales and whale sharks, locally known as “butanding,” prompted discussions on the potential establishment of whale-watching tourism in the municipality.
Unilongo noted that as early as 2021, residents also reported sightings of killer whales or orcas in the coastal waters of Libertad. Orcas belong to the dolphin family despite their common name.
This year, several residents again reported sightings of whale sharks in the area, further strengthening the town’s interest in exploring eco-tourism opportunities centered on marine wildlife.
However, the municipal government emphasized that any tourism initiative must be sustainable and environmentally responsible, considering that whales, whale sharks, and other large marine species are protected wildlife.
The LGU stressed the need to strike a balance between tourism development and marine conservation to ensure that whale-watching activities will not disrupt the natural habitat and behavior of marine species.
At present, the municipality is carefully studying measures and guidelines to ensure that any future whale-watching activity will be conducted responsibly.
Meanwhile, Libertad continues to strengthen the protection of its Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). According to Unilongo, the town has eight MPAs that serve as habitats and feeding grounds for various marine species, including whales, whale sharks, orcas, and other marine wildlife.
Local officials believe that preserving these marine ecosystems is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for the sustainable development of eco-tourism in the area./PN
