Author: Nonet Madrinan-Bohol
Article Source: The Bohol Chronicle
“In Manga is Manga. In Maribojoc is Maribojoc.” Such was the serious reply of a gentle old lady in broken English, who also acts as a local guide at SAVIMA Mangrove Adventure, a mangrove community in the town of Maribojoc, to the question of a local guest: “Is the imbao (a clam in the mangrove areas) sold in Manga sourced from Maribojoc?” Despite her difficulty in the English language, she managed to communicate that imbao in Manga comes from Manga and the imbao in Maribojoc comes from Maribojoc. Quite amusing yet I understood, and which I believe forms part of ecotourism.
Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and values interpretation and education.” (TIES, 2015) That is the objective of ECOTOURISM BOHOL.
The Provincial Government of Bohol, Bohol Tourism Office, Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFETTO), Sustainable Environment Protection Project (SEPP) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are launching three (3) newly-clustered tour programs dubbed BOHOL SURPRISE TOURS that were created out of a need to come up with new tourism products. These new tourism products showcase community life and livelihood of local folks working together to achieve progress in the local communities they belong. The generosity of our partner agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency, with their expert team lead the way to its fruition.
BOHOL SURPRISE TOUR 1 was launched last February 20, 21 and 22, 2015 – a day trip tour package that highlights the Loom Weaving in Tubigon, where guests watch and learn raffia loom weaving from the local weavers. Then they get to see the ruins of Loon Church and walk on the majestic Inanganan, the coral stairs in Loon, built in 1847-1849. In Maribojoc, they were served a sumptuous lunch of organic produce at the Organic Farm. After the farm tour, guests proceed to SAVIMA Adventure to put on their rubber boots, wear buri hat, and head off to plant some mangroves. There they find themselves watching an old lady catch imbao and an old man catch takla ( a kind of crustacean with only one pincer that makes a snapping sound). The day ends with a visit at the Punta Cruz Watchtower to see the ruins and trek on the uplifted ridge as a result of the 2013 earthquake. If you’re lucky, you may end the day tour with a beautiful sunset.
As the slogan aptly say: “The luxury of simplicity nature and people.” that is ECOTOURISM BOHOL. That is our product. For more information, please visit our website www.boholtourismph.com. BOHOL SURPRISE TOUR 2 will be launched on February 27, 28 and MArch 1, 2015 and BOHOL SURPRISE TOUR 3 will be launched on March 6, 7, and 8, 2015. For Participation in any our discounted campaign tours, please feel free to inquire via e-mail at inquire@boholtourismph.com
