ILOILO City – Tourism establishments in the Gigantes group of islands in Carles, Iloilo cannot just close shop temporarily and hold cleanups without a clear action plan and alternative livelihood for their workers, according to residents, village officials and business owners.
They were dismayed that Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Helen Catalbas suggested “self-closure” among tourism establishments when their side was barely heard in the assessment of the state of the island chain, the locals said in a statement.
Catalbas suggested that the temporary closure may be implemented for “three to four months.”
She said the “preventive measure” would give stakeholders time to prepare the islands – remove garbage and fix or improve facilities, among others – for the deluge of tourists.
“We … express our disappointment and dismay on the recommendation … [made] without appropriate consultation and dialogue with stakeholders,” the locals said.
They will agree to the “voluntary closure” of resorts and tourism establishments only if the plan is “comprehensive” and seen as the best way to improve tourism in the islands, they said.
Moreover, the DOT and the Iloilo provincial government must provide a “clear course of action” and “alternative livelihood options” for affected workers, the locals added.
At the Northern Iloilo Cruise Tourism Ocular Inspection and Stakeholders Dialogue in the Iloilo provincial capitol on July 13, Catalbas noted the need to improve tourism facilities in Gigantes islands and better manage wastes.
But she did not say if the “self-closure” should be done on a regular basis or just one time, and the ideal time to do this.
She clarified that whether or not her suggestion materializes will depend on the local government of Carles.
Mayor Sigfredo Betita of Carles admitted that the island chain is not yet fully developed to accommodate a deluge of tourists.
But he said the stakeholders must be consulted with the regard to the suggested temporary closure of establishments.
In a statement issued days after the dialogue, Catalbas clarified that “we did not suggest the closure of resorts in the area,” only the “voluntary self-closure to tourism activities on a temporary basis.”
Still, the DOT Region 6 “is very happy with the overwhelming reaction of Gigantes islands stakeholders,” said Catalbas.
“We look at the numerous signatories to the joint statement as pledge of support and commitment to promote sustainable tourism,” she said.
Officials and residents of barangays with jurisdiction over the Gigantes islands – Asluman, Gabi, Granada, and Lantangan – signed the statement.
Other signatories were Island Sustainable Development Alliance; Gigantes Resort Owners Association; Gigantes Eco-Guides Association; Granada Motorcycle Drivers Association; KAMMAS, Gabi; Asluman Vendors Association;
Granada National High School Baylon Campus; Granada National High School Ballesteros Campus; Asluman Elementary School; Gabi Elementary School; Granada Elementary School; Lantangan Elementary School ; Philippine Life Saving; and BRSSIC Project – University of the Philippines Visayas./PN
