French cruise ship’s visit to Leyte inspires locals

The positive feedback of foreign tourists onboard the French cruise ship L’Asutral of Compagnie du Ponant inspired the locals of Cuatro Islas to do even better in conserving the island, which is promoted as one of the top destinations for cruise tourism in the country.

The ship made a stop in two of the four scenic islands of Cuatro Islas, Himukilan and Mahaba Islands, where the tourists had the enjoyable opportunity to interact with locals.

The visitors also learned about the local culture and traditions, tasted local delicacies, and swam at the beach where the crystalline water changes from deep blue to turquoise green and marine life is teeming.

Hindang town mayor Betty Cabal said that the 215 tourists noticed the cleanliness of the island and the locals’ efforts in maintaining its pristine beauty amid frequent visits by tourists.

“Not a single trash was seen by tourists during their stay. This is a testament that the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are on the right direction in teaching residents how to protect the environment,” Cabal said.

More than 200 families in Himukilan Island were taught solid waste segregation and garbage disposal. Additionally, the tourism department also trained the residents of Hindang and Inopacan towns on how to properly handle tourists, prepare for welcoming visitors, and provide customer service.

Inopacan Mayor Silvestre Lumarda shared that the visit of the foreign cruise ship in Mahaba Island opened up tourism opportunities in the island.

However, since Cuatro Islas has been declared as Protected Seascape and Landscape in 2000, this picturesque destination is only allowed to accommodate 500 tourists per day, as suggested by the DENR.

“Even if we want development, we are bent on implementing strict policies to protect the island from destruction of over-crowding, unregulated building of structures, and waste disposal,” Lumarda said.

Cabal also said to the Philippine News Agency, “since this is a protected area, the local government cannot make any final decision when it comes to investments, but the Protected Area Management Board of the DENR. We, in the local government are firm in protecting the island’s natural beauty and its rich marine resources.”

Cuatro Islas is composed of four islands, with the islands of Digyo, Mahab, and Apid belonging to the town of Inopacan and Himukilan Island a part of Hindang town.

via Philippine News Agency / Roel Amazona