In focus: Binibining Oslob

CEBU, Philippines —  This Accountancy major was initially hesitant when asked by the mayor of Oslob to be the candidate who will highlight the popular town.

 “I knew it would be a struggle juggling pageant activities and school,” began Faith, a Miss Oslob 2016 title-holder, “but then, most of my fellow Oslobanons kept on prodding me to join and eventually I realized that it is a great opportunity for me to represent and highlight the place I have loved for so many years, the place that has molded me to be who I am today, the place I call home.”

 Oslob is no hidden gem, having become a must-visit among locals and foreigners alike for its most famous attraction: the butanding or whale sharks. But what else can be had in Oslob?

 “In the high mountains of Tumalog, there is a spring that supplies the water consumption of Oslob and it has also paved the way to what is now known as Tumalog Falls,” shares Faith.

 “Oslob is blessed with a bounty of nature but besides our tourist attractions people should keep going there because Oslob is ‘Oslove.’ It is a place where love reaches beyond the confines of our homes. Love and warmth from the locals can be felt everywhere and if you’re looking for peace of mind, Oslob’s the place for you.”

 Queried about the issue that the whale sharks might get too dependent on humans feeding them, Faith argues: “I believe there is a misconception about feeding the whale sharks and this is a proper avenue for me to tell people that there’s no harm about whale shark watching in our place. It’s not about the food that makes them stay but there is something in our marine ecosystem that makes them come back. Our place is gifted with nutrient-rich waters that are filtered from the neighboring islands, that’s why it’s a natural habitat for many sea creatures.”

 Faith further assures that local and foreign marine biologists are often stationed in the whale shark watching area to observe and ensure not only the well-being of tourists but also those of the gentle giants. Rules and guidelines, she adds, are strictly implemented by their local government.

 “And the whale sharks can never be too dependent in our place because they are migratory species,” adds Faith. “So to people who wish to experience whale shark watching, I can give you a tour myself and together let’s explore the co-existence of people and whale sharks.”

 With Oslob fortunate to have transformed from a sleepy town to a world-renowned tourist destination, Faith believes that with the influx of visitors comes the need for Oslob to work on sustainable tourism

 “It is important to conserve our local ecosystem with clean biodiversity without sacrificing the income generating micro-enterprises that are flourishing,” she points out. “In my own simple way, I can be of help by organizing coastal cleanups and tree planting activities to help sustain and maintain the natural habitat of Oslob.”

 Apart from advocating for nature conservation, Faith hopes to empower disadvantaged women and those who lack belief in themselves.

 “I plan to lead a team that would do talks, sessions, or we could form a little school teaching women to be strong and confident no matter how they look or how they are being treated in society. I have observed that in our society lately women are being abused, discriminated and neglected and I plan to make a change regarding that matter.”

 This urge to be a light to others sprung from her admiration of one Mahatma Gandhi.  “I have looked up to Gandhi for the past years. I could never forget his quote saying ‘Be the change you want to see in this world’ and it has left a huge impact in me. Along the way I’ve learned that Gandhi is the reason for India’s independence and he attained it without violence. He also refused to hurt others but instead gave himself up as a sacrifice each time that he fasted. He was so influential that he gained respect of the whole nation. And that’s what I want: for us to respect one another.” (FREEMAN)