Leyte town showcases nature-based business projects Written by Felix N. Codilla III / Correspondent
Wednesday, 26 August 2009 20:30
Business Mirror
LIKE any fourth-class municipality, Tabango, Leyte, has its own share of socio-economic problems that hamper the community’s growth. But financial constraint has never been an excuse for its visionary mayor, who opted to rely on the beauty of his town’s natural resources and join the eco-tourism bandwagon.
Eco-tourism is not new anymore in Tabango, which lies 63 kilometers northwest of Ormoc, a one-and-a-half hour drive away. Since assuming his position in 2001, Mayor Bernard Jonathan Remandaban saw the town’s potential to attract foreigners in experiencing the sights and delights of this hidden paradise.
A former IT educator of De La Salle Taft, “Mayor Benjo,†as he is fondly called by his constituents, knew early on that tourism was Tabango’s only ticket to development. Thus, in 2006, he launched an island-hopping tour which took visitors to seven nearby islands, including the famous Malapascua in Cebu.
Another proof of Remandaban’s seriousness in promoting tourism was the launching of a new floating restaurant that would cruise the stretch of the wide Palaypayan River. For only P500,000, the local government unit (LGU) and barangay Hibacungan manufactured the floating craft.
The barangay will operate the vessel from which it can earn income. Mayor Remandaban admits the concept is copied from the renowned river cruise of Bohol. But he believes their own Palaypay River has its own share of scenic spots that deserve to be appreciated.
As passengers enjoy their hearty meal to the accompaniment of live acoustic music, a boat tugs the vessel and takes them to 23 turns spanning the stretch of the river. Some of the sights along the route are the Cota Bridge and fishpond project of Kalahi-CIDDS at the cruise’s endpoint in Botason I.
But this river cruise takes passengers further to the sea, something not done by its original Bohol counterpart. As they sail off to Tabango Bay, passengers will easily see the Bantay Dagat watchtower/observation station jutting out of the coast of sitio Buho in barangay Tugas.
They will also marvel at the sun-drenched beaches and the vista of Tabango’s rolling peaks and hills, including Mount Kantur-aw, which soars 200 meters from the ground. And if they’re lucky to take the late- afternoon trip, they will catch the sun dim to a deep-orange glow as it gives way to a dimly lit evening.
While the river cruise has no regular schedule, the LGU accepts reservations for the use of the floating restaurant which is an alternative venue for parties to those who want a unique experience in celebrating special occasions.
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