Bohol’s tourism industry is well on its way to recovery with the reopening of the Loboc River Cruise on Oct. 24, which had an unexpected turnout of walk-in visitors outnumbering those invited. Other attractions that have reopened include the Tarsier Habitat and the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. But the reopening of Loboc River Cruise has become so politicized that many tourists have vowed never to return to Loboc River Cruise after they were barred from having lunch at Riverwatch Floating Resto owned and managed by Tess Labunog-Sumampong. No less than Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba and former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan stopped a group of tourists who were already booked with Labunog’s Riverwatch Floating Resto and barred them from entering the river’s docking port.

When the brother and sister Calipusan tandem were asked what authority they possessed to justify their tourist blockade, they said they would still draft an ordinance for that purpose. As of yesterday, the Calipusan duo were actively involved in getting tourists for their favorite floating resto, in which they allegedly have investments, as the two were seen by media standing at a junction in barangay Calunasan, Loboc and hauled tourists from a passing van to their own van. Labunog’s floating resto, the most preferred and sought-after because of its world-class food cuisine and impeccable food safety standards, is not recorded to have violated any existing local government ordinances. “This is pure harassment with only one intention, that is to destroy one’s business operation out of envy,” Labunog told the media yesterday. “We have no other recourse but to seek justice from the court.” Two incidents of food poisoning involving the fierce competitors of Labunog’s Riverwatch Floating Restaurant had been reported to tourism officials but no specific action.

“We have not violated any law. We are considered the safest and cleanest floating resto that offers the most delicious food in town and yet we are the most oppressed entity here in Loboc,” Labunog lamented during a media briefing. Anti-corruption crusader Atty. Alexander “Aleckoy” Lim, who was tipped by media of the ongoing political and business harassment at Loboc River Cruise, has been sought by Labunog as her leading counsel in the looming administrative charges to be filed against the two Calipusans before the Office of the Ombudsman in Visayas. Lim said that if the stoppage of Labunog’s floating resto operation was not armed with an existing local ordinance, the actuation of Calipusan brother and sister is tantamount to “abuse of power and abuse of authority” that, if proven in court, would lead to the removal of the mayor from office.

NORMAL OPERATIONS IN OTHER TOURISM SPOTS

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 office reports that roads leading to most of the tourist attractions are now passable, with roads from Tagbilaran City to Carmen via Corella already open to light vehicles (cars and vans). Most tourism establishments have also resumed operations, and owners are discussing measures on how to implement the swift turnaround of their businesses. These include providing alternative routes and tours, as well as promotional offers. During her visit to Bohol last Friday, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Mission Director Gloria D. Steele committed USAID’s support by extending technical assistance to the DOT and Bohol stakeholders in the preparation of a recovery plan for the Cebu-Bohol Tourism Development Areas (TDAs). DOT Region VII Director Rowena Montecillo gave an initial post-disaster assessment, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) evaluated the impact of the earthquake on the access and discussed the rehabilitation measures needed in support of the tourism program.

The USAID-assisted program was presented to the Executive Committee of the Provincial Tourism Council, Office of the Governor, and local government units (LGUs). The recovery plan includes a communication strategy to bring back the confidence of domestic and international travellers and of the communities; the assessment of tourism infrastructure and assets to be prioritized for rehabilitation by agencies concerned, international donors, development partners, national and local government agencies, and private sector. It also includes product development for new tourism circuits, governance programs, and long-term initiatives to sustain growth, mitigate risks of crises, and increase preparedness of tourism destinations. “The resilience and optimism of the Boholanos clearly explain why their provincial tourism is a success. We are proud to show the world how the Filipino bayanihanspirit works best during these challenging times. The DOT lauds the tourism associations in Bohol for their prompt action in bringing business back to normal, which demonstrates their collective commitment in sustaining tourism growth so as to contribute in rebuilding the tourism infrastructure and livelihood of local communities,” Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

“Now more than ever, Bohol needs its tourism income to move forward from this fortuitous event and it is a matter of making sure we have the right programs for rehabilitation. In addition to the government and private sector collaboration, we are very thankful for the assistance coming from external international donor agencies, such as the USAID and the UNWTO. We will also be coordinating with the UNWTO to synchronize support with the USAID’s Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) project. In no time, we shall see Bohol’s tourism industry fully revived and continuing its vital economic contribution to the region and entire country. Bohol is one of our primary offerings. We are focused on getting Bohol going, to keep it going,” Secretary Jimenez concluded. (DoT/itsmorfuninthephilippines.com)