Sanipaan Marine Park Tours launched

 Island Garden City of Samal, November 12, 2014 -  In an effort to develop and promote sustainable tourism, Sanipaan Management Committee of Barangay Tambo in cooperation with its Barangay Council and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) city government here launched the Sanipaan Marine Park Tours on November 8.

Sanipaan Marine Park (SMP) Tours is another community based eco-tourism project in one of the Marine Protected Areas in Igacos located in Barangay Tambo with about 158 hectares total area and divided into four (4) different zones: marine sanctuary, multiple use zone, mangrove protection/ rehabilitation zone and eco-tourism/recreational zone.

City Ordinance no. 2010-160 provides authority to Sanipaan Marine Park Management Committee to collect minimum fees for the entrance, boat hire and recreational activities conducted in the area for the community to benefit and sustain. Some of the activities offered by the SMP Tours include fishing and fish feeding at the buffer zone, snorkelling, boating, mangrove tour and mangrove growing.  

Samal Island Tourism Council Chairperson Generose Tecson lauded the Tourism Office for working hard in promoting tourism particularly the community based eco-tourism by giving significant value to projects managed and benefitting the community.

Tecson said tourism envisions sustainable tourism giving emphasis to peoples’ nature and culture which also benefits them.

Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Chairman Alberto Ortiz expressed concern in the protection, preservation and conservation of our nature, not just to enjoy its beauty but to also care for it.

“Let us not just enjoy in our nature, instead, let’s be vigilant and guard our resources for its sustainability which is also the source of livelihood of our people,” Ortiz said.

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan represented by Deputy Mayor Yolando Etaoc formally launched the opening of the Sanipaan Marine Park Tours and appreciated its implementation stressing the benefits it provides the community and the city.

Also present to graced the event were Liga ng mga Barangay President Luduig Von Gervacio, Hon. Dan Gervacio, City Treasurer Merlina Caballero  and staff and representatives from different offices.

Meanwhile, City Engineer Darwin S. Arig reported the on-going tourism infrastructure projects specifically road concreting projects under the Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways Convergence Strategy Projects implemented in Samal Island during the officials and employees Monday Convocation on November 3. 

Engr. Arig said He together with City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan had a meeting with  DPWH XI Regional Director Mariano Alquiza on the on-going road concreting projects in the island and this includes the continuation of the circumferential roads from Barangay Balet going to Barangay Tagpopongan road in Babak District; Barangay San Jose going to Barangay Adecor to Barangay Anonang road; Sitio Quidodo of Poblacion Kaputian to EKran Berhad Samal Casino Resort where a port will also be constructed to link Talicud Island of Kaputian District.

In addition, a cross country road concreting project from Barangay Peῆaplata to Barangay  Aundanao and Tagpopongan port in support to the RORO project connecting Samal Island to Davao Oriental will also be implemented soon.   

Gladly, City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan welcomed all development projects and development plans for Island Garden City of Samal essentially when it’s for the development of all  Samaleῆos and as long as  peace, safety and security is assured for everyone.   (MTA Samal cio)