The local government of Libertad, Antique is studying the possibility of developing a whale-watching tourism program following reported sightings of whales in the town’s municipal waters.
Dangielyn Unilongo, Community Affairs Officer of Libertad, said the presence of whales off the town’s coastline has prompted discussions on whether a whale-watching activity can be sustainably introduced as an additional ecotourism attraction.
In a Radio interview, Unilongo said the municipal government is carefully assessing the proposal to ensure that tourism development will not compromise the welfare of the marine species.
“We are looking at ways to make the initiative sustainable, especially since whales and whale sharks are protected wildlife species,” she said.
Local officials emphasized that any future whale-watching program must strike a balance between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. They stressed that tourism activities should be properly regulated and designed to avoid disrupting the animals’ natural habitat and behavior.
The proposed initiative forms part of the municipality’s broader efforts to promote responsible and nature-based tourism while safeguarding its marine resources.
Meanwhile, Libertad continues to strengthen the protection of its coastal ecosystem through the management of its Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Unilongo said the municipality currently maintains eight MPAs, which serve as critical habitats and breeding grounds for various marine species.
The local government believes that preserving these protected areas is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for sustaining fisheries and supporting future ecotourism opportunities in the municipality.
Should the whale-watching proposal move forward, local officials said environmental safeguards and conservation measures will remain at the center of the program’s implementation.IMT
