Antique has added another major attraction to its growing tourism portfolio with the opening of Western Visayas’ first whale shark watching destination in the coastal town of Libertad, a project that aims to balance marine conservation, sustainable tourism, and economic opportunities for local communities.
The eco-tourism site, located in Sitio Idiayan, Barangay Barusbus, was formally launched on July 16 through a partnership between the Municipal Government of Libertad and Korean firm JKLAU Corporation, marking the town’s first collaboration with foreign investors.
Libertad Vice Mayor Mary Jean Nicopior-Te described the initiative as the result of years of protecting the municipality’s rich marine ecosystem, which has long served as a natural habitat for whale sharks or butanding.
“This is our first partnership with foreign investors, and it showcases the rich marine resources that Libertad has preserved and protected for many years,” Te said.
According to Te, whale sharks have frequently been sighted in Libertad’s waters, particularly near otoshi-ami fishing grounds. Recognizing the area’s potential, the local government opted to develop a regulated eco-tourism program instead of allowing unregulated tourism activities.
She emphasized that protecting the endangered marine species remains the project’s highest priority.
“Whale sharks are wild giants. They cannot be controlled or confined. Their continued presence depends on a healthy marine ecosystem, which is why all tourism activities must be sustainable, properly regulated, and compliant with environmental laws,” Te said.
Tourists joining the whale shark experience may encounter one to seven whale sharks during early morning boat excursions starting at around 5 a.m. Officials, however, clarified that sightings cannot be guaranteed since the animals move freely and are influenced by natural conditions such as weather and sea currents.
To safeguard the species, the local government is working with marine biologists and fisheries experts to study the whale sharks’ habitat, migration patterns, and population. Libertad is also benchmarking its operations against established whale shark destinations, including Oslob, Cebu, while ensuring strict compliance with national environmental policies.
Mayor Maribeth Nicopior-La Serna said the new attraction offers visitors another reason to explore Antique while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The project is expected to generate employment for boat operators, tour guides, paddlers, and other tourism workers, while encouraging investments in hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other tourism-related enterprises.
Libertad is targeting to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors daily as it expands its tourism offerings to include snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping tours to nearby attractions such as Maningning, Batbatan, Seiko, and Boracay.
Representing Governor Paolo Javier during the launch, Provincial Tourism Consultant Celestino Dalumpines IV said the initiative reflects Antique’s long-term vision of developing world-class eco-tourism while preserving its natural resources.
“Tourism becomes a driver of progress when it is developed responsibly. It creates jobs, strengthens local enterprises, protects our environment, and improves the quality of life of our communities,” Javier said in a message delivered during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-6) official Dr. Erwin Ilaya reminded stakeholders that whale sharks remain an endangered species protected under Philippine law.
He stressed that all tourism activities involving whale sharks must comply with Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193, and other regulations governing marine wildlife protection.
The launch was attended by representatives from the local officials, the Department of Tourism (DOT-6), the Provincial Fisheries Office, the Philippine Coast Guard, members of the Antique Provincial Board, local officials, educators, tourism stakeholders, and content creators.IMT
