ABS-CBN to grace the DOT/SIBP promotion of ULOT WATERSHED Ecotourism loop
Saturday, 10 July 2010 18:36 | 
Written by Jenna Tizon-Igdalino
Brgy. Tenani, Paranas, Samar --- The Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop was recently made possible through the joint effort of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 8 and SIBP/SINP. It was carried out as an outcome/impact of the strong partnership of the SIBP/SINP and DOT to develop more ecotourism products in Samar as alternative options to help address the perennial issue of upland poverty and biodiversity degradation.
Specifically, the said activity is being anchored on the following objectives, that of a) providing promotional mileage to Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop via exposure through The Filipino Channel (TFC) of the ABS-CBN International Channel Company; and b) to improve kayaking and river guiding skills of the selected local tour guides utilizing the local natural resources of Ulot River.
Held on May 19-20, 2010, the Filipino Channel (TFC), an ABS-CBN GLOBAL channel company featured Ulot River taking its location shoot from the Jump-off point to Deni Point or in a distance of 10.5 kilometers. An interview by ABS-CBN, Dir. Manolito D. Ragub, of SIBP and Forester Angelito B. Villanueva (Ecotourism Unit Head) focused on the objectives of the SIBP and SINP and on the contribution of ecotourism programs to the protection of the environment, conservation of biodiversity and poverty reduction. Actual location shoot along the same stretch of the river was conducted by ABS-CBN on the 2nd day started from 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon and culminated at 4:40 o’clock in the afternoon which included “going afloat” interlude activities of the crew. From the Jump-off point to Deni point, it took 1 hour travel downstream, while it took also 1 hour and 15 minutes travel time upstream or going back to the jump-off point. The shooting covered activities in the ecotourism loop like boating, tubing, kayaking, and floating activities. River corridor forest vegetations, springs and fishes were also part of the highlights of the locations shoots. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Global made important observation pertaining to Ulot River as “very ideal for ecotourism. It is accessible, good for one-day tour, the terrestrial environment and aquatic resources are intact, appropriate for nature appreciation, and the excitement it can bring to tourists are friendly for both beginners and advance tourists. The pumpboat operators have mastery of the water terrain.” Generally, Ulot River is ideal and ready to accept visitors. They are rich in terms of biophysical features and attractions. The local guides are ready to provide services to the visitors and the equipment and facilities for such services are readily available. However, the need to improve the sanitation of Sitio Campo Uno is very important to completely package ecotourism services. (with reports from For. Angelito B. Villanueva)
