The local government of Tabango in Leyte is stepping up efforts to promote Kimud Shoal as a major dive tourism destination and strengthen the town’s tourism activities.
Mayor Ma. Corazon Remandaban said on Wednesday that the town wants to establish Kimud Shoal as part of Tabango’s tourism identity and correct the perception that the marine attraction is primarily associated with Malapascua Island in Cebu.
“That is our target now for tourism. The town still has much to do as many licensed divers visiting the shoal are from Malapascua,” she said in an interview.
The local government aims to attract more divers and increase tourism revenues for Tabango as it develops plans to promote the marine attraction.
Remandaban said the town continues to coordinate with dive operators in Malapascua while it works to expand awareness of Kimud Shoal and its potential as a tourism destination.
For years, tourism activities at the shoal have generated income for dive shops operating in Malapascua, she noted.
Before becoming mayor, her husband, Vice Mayor Benjo Remandaban, had already raised the issue with officials of Daanbantayan, including the collection of environmental fees from tourists visiting the shoal.
Remandaban said environmental fees collected from visitors previously went entirely to the local government of Daanbantayan.
Kimud Shoal is known as a cleaning station for thresher sharks, making it a popular destination for divers who want to observe the species in its natural habitat.
The sharks are drawn to the area by small fish that feed on parasites and other debris on their bodies.
Thresher sharks are distinguished by their exceptionally long tails, which can account for nearly half of their total body length.
Recognizing the site’s ecological importance, the Tabango government formally established Kimud Shoal as a Marine Protected Area on Feb. 6 this year, as part of efforts to conserve its marine biodiversity.
The municipality also created the Kimud Shoal Operations Unit to monitor and regulate tourism activities and patrol the protected area.
To support conservation and enforcement, the local government has invested in patrol equipment, including a motorized banca mother ship, a dinghy, and a speedboat.
Remandaban said Tabango is also seeking assistance from the Philippine Ports Authority to improve its port facilities.
The proposed improvements are intended to allow larger vessels carrying tourists to dock in Tabango and provide visitors with better access to the municipality.
The mayor said improved port infrastructure, coupled with stronger tourism promotion and marine conservation efforts, could help Tabango maximize the economic benefits of Kimud Shoal while protecting the area’s marine resources. (PNA)