PARANAS, Samar – The Samar Island Biodiversity Project (SIBP), a foreign-funded project being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently introduced another natural attraction potential for recreation and ecotourism in this municipality.

Forester Angelito B. Villanueva, SIBP chief on ecotourism informed that these new scenic and natural attractions in this locality led up to the creation of Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop initiated by various stakeholders from concerned National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, Ulot Watershed Model Forest Stakeholders Federation (UWMFSF) – a conglomeration of nine (9) People’s Organizations and Non-Government Organizations.

He added that being the direct stakeholders, the UWMFSF created an ecotourism committee that will run the affairs of its ecotourism activities in close coordination with Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Local Government Units, Department of Tourism (DOT), among others.

According to Villanueva, Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop is an ideal spot for tubing, boating, and kayaking along the rugged waterscape and unspoiled crystal-clear waters of Ulot River, the longest river in the island of Samar. 

A tour package being develop by the SIBP stated that after a rendezvous adventure, tourist can divert to adjacent recreation sites that include Pangpang Falls, Liaw Cave, Pugtak spring, Duloy spring, Sulfan Falls, Catingcoy Cave, Silay Cave, Can-maanghit Falls, Nasarang Falls, Lusungan Falls, Yabon Falls and Cave, and recently, an eco-trail within the compound of the SINP Headquarters leading to the proposed viewing deck, perfect for sightseeing on the panoramic view of the watershed.

Last July, some 42 individuals composed of the tourism committee and selected front-liners attended a 3-day river tour guiding training to enhance themselves on technical know-how and the basic on tour guiding such as familiarization to outdoor equipments, first aid, packing, knot tying, short roping, inland navigation, planning, preparations, among others.

Talking about ecotourism best practices in the Philippines, Villanueva emphasized on the words “ecotourism” and “ecotourism product.” According to him, ecotourism means “nature and culture activities, benefits of the local community, and satisfaction of visitors.” “In other words, the term ecotourism product was also simply defined as natural attractions plus activities,” Villanueva said.

Meanwhile, Jason Garrido, a certified trainer accredited by the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI) oriented the “tour guides” of the emergency techniques and procedures as one of the most important aspect of handling tourists or visitors – the safety of the client.

For safety purposes, according to Garrido, a river guide must know how to swim, know the equipment, be physically fit and know possible hazards. “First Aid Kit is compulsory for all recreational and adventure activities,” he stressed. 

To recall, the local government unit of Las Navas in Northern Samar and the DENR have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to jointly develop and manage the Pinipisakan Falls and Ginagatusan Caves as part of their ecotourism program. Like in Paranas, the town of Las Navas also has a Class 3 river that is ideal for tubing, kayaking and white water rafting. 

The Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop, Pinipisakan Falls and the Ginagatusan Caves, all located inside the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) are expected to bring in livelihood opportunities to the people and spur economic development in Samar Island.