Oslob tour operators junk sharing scheme

New policy favors city guides

CEBU, Philippines — Local tourism workers and operators in Oslob town, Cebu reportedly cried foul over the new policies and regulations that are about to be implemented there.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale admitted to reporters on Tuesday that some workers there are complaining because the new sharing scheme apparently favors the city tourist guides than the locals.

The town mayor himself communicated the sentiments of locals to the provincial government. The concern was eventually raised to Magpale, she being the chairperson of the Provincial Tourism Council.

Magpale found the complaint “valid” and so she ordered that a “status quo” be maintained.

This event means tourism situation there remains as is – or the existing policy guidelines will have to be observed – while officials find a way on how to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the new rules and regulations will have to be called off.

“Among gipa-stop (ang implementation) tungod kay naa’y bag-ong reklamo… Dili ta gusto madehado ang atong locals so status quo una ta ug ato nang sulbaron,” she told reporters.

She took into consideration the concerns of locals since she believes that they know more of the situation there.

The sentiment arose when Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak, Jr. had a chance to converse with Governor Hilario Davide III during an event at the town last week.

Davide said the town mayor also aired the concerns among resort operators on the plan of reducing the number of visitors that travel there daily.

Magpale has emphasized that the local government forbids imposing “defective” and “unfair” regulations.

“Usahay when you implement something, didto na nimo makita ang defects,” said the vice governor.

These regulations such as the new sharing scheme and the carrying capacity limit were laid out to address the arising environmental issues that confront the tourism industry.

Local officials want to spare the province from experiencing the same fate of the famous Boracay Island in Aklan which was shut down by the President due to its worsening state.

Officials and tourism stakeholders here took the initiative of cleaning up and of regulating activities of known beach resorts or destination sites before they are sighted for closure or rehabilitation next to Boracay. (FREEMAN)