ILOILO – Tourists will be barred from entering the famed Tangke Saltwater Lagoon in the northern town of Carles for one month.
The municipal government ordered its closure starting Sept. 1 to prevent accidents during the southwest monsoon and allow the natural attraction to recover from heavy visitor traffic.
Mayor Arnold Betita II issued Executive Order No. 94, Series of 2025, directing the temporary suspension of all tourist activities in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Sur until Sept. 30.
“The temporary closure is also a way of safeguarding the lives of tourists visiting the area during Southwest Monsoon due to strong waves at the entrance of Tangke Lagoon,” Betita said, citing frequent rough waters that make the lagoon dangerous to access at this time of the year.
He stressed the move is not only about safety but also conservation.
“In order to protect and preserve its beauty and environmental integrity, there is a need to assist the natural recovery of Tangke by temporarily closing the area for public visitation,” he added.
Betita emphasized that Tangke is more than just a tourist spot, saying it has both socio-cultural and economic importance to the municipality.
“Tangke is considered as a landmark and main tourist destination and attraction in the Municipality which attributed to the increase of our tourist arrivals,” he noted.
The mayor said the order is consistent with the mandate of local governments under Section 444 of the Local Government Code of 1991 to protect natural resources and biodiversity.
He assured stakeholders that the closure is temporary and meant to balance tourism with sustainability.
“This initiative is not to limit our tourism potential but to ensure that Tangke remains a destination for generations to come,” Betita said.
Known for its emerald waters framed by limestone cliffs, Tangke Lagoon is among the Gigantes Islands’ most visited destinations and a key driver of Carles’ tourism industry./PN
