ANTIQUE – The Municipality of Libertad in Antique has officially launched Western Visayas’ first whale shark watching eco-tourism destination, marking a major step in promoting sustainable tourism while creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The soft opening was held on July 16 at Sitio Idiayan, Barangay Barusbus, where local officials unveiled the province’s newest marine tourism attraction after years of conservation efforts and coastal resource management.
The project was made possible through Libertad’s first partnership with foreign investors from JKLAU Corporation of South Korea, headed by company president Young Jun Park.
Libertad Vice Mayor Bebot Nicopior-Te said the venture highlights the municipality’s success in preserving and protecting its coastal ecosystem, making it attractive for eco-tourism investments.
She noted that whale sharks, locally known as butanding, have long been sighted in Libertad’s waters, particularly near otoshi-ami fishing grounds, but only recently did the local government develop the area into a regulated eco-tourism destination.
Nicopior-Te stressed that the whale sharks are wild animals that cannot be confined, making sustainable management and strict environmental compliance essential.
She added that a healthy marine ecosystem encourages whale sharks to frequent the area, while destructive and illegal activities at sea could drive them away.
Tourism officials said visitors may encounter one to as many as seven whale sharks during early morning boat trips beginning at around 5 a.m. Sightings are possible throughout the year, although weather conditions and natural movements of the animals may affect their presence.
To ensure responsible tourism, the local government is seeking assistance from marine biologists and other experts to study the whale sharks’ habitat, behavior, and population. Officials are also reviewing best practices implemented in established whale shark tourism destinations, including Oslob, Cebu, while ensuring compliance with national environmental regulations.
Mayor Maribeth Nicopior-LaSerna said the new attraction offers visitors an opportunity to experience close encounters with whale sharks while exploring Libertad’s culture, hospitality, and natural attractions.
The eco-tourism venture is expected to generate employment for paddlers, tour guides, and other tourism workers while encouraging investments in hotels, restaurants, spas, grocery stores, and other tourism-related businesses.
The municipal government aims to eventually accommodate up to 1,000 tourists daily and expand tourism offerings through snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping activities to Maningning, Batbatan, Seiko, and Boracay islands.
Representing Gov. Paolo Javier during the launch, Provincial Tourism Consultant Celestino Dalumpines IV said the project reflects Antique’s commitment to becoming a premier eco-tourism destination while safeguarding its marine resources.
Meanwhile, Dr. Erwin Ilaya of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Region 6 reminded stakeholders that the whale shark remains an endangered species and that all tourism activities must comply with Republic Act 8550, as amended by Republic Act 10654, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193, and other national regulations governing marine wildlife interactions.
The launch was attended by representatives from the offices of Sen. Loren Legarda and Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr., the Department of Tourism Region 6, the Provincial Fisheries Office, the Philippine Coast Guard, provincial officials, educators, and local content creators./PN
