Earl Vincent Endab, tourism officer and information officer designate of Badian, said around P100,000 of the sum goes to the local government unit (LGU) daily, while the remainder goes to the private tour operators around the attraction.
The temporary closure and suspension of canyoneering operations in Barangay Matutinao in Badian was ordered by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last Friday, June 2, as a result of the discovery of abandoned structures and other objects that pose a risk to tourists.
“It is still indefinite. We still really do not know how long the closure will be implemented here,” Endab told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
According to Endab, the canyoneering activities at the Kawasan Falls alone welcome an average of 700 tourists on weekdays, and could go up to more than 900 tourists on weekends.
Endab said each visitor pays P1,500 for the canyoneering activity, with P200 going to the LGU and P1,300 going to the tour operators, which includes payment for tour guides and safety equipment.
“This year’s tourism volume is quite bigger than last year because we were only able to record an average of 450 tourists daily in 2022,” he said.
“Since the closure took effect, no tourists have come in,” Endab said.
Directly affected
He said 40 tour operators rely on the offerings of the natural beauty of Kawasan Falls, employing around 700 locals as tourist guides.
“Aside from the guides, other affected workers are the cooks, the cleaners, and other staff that work for the shops,” Endab said.
In addition to the already operating enterprises centered on the Kawasan Falls, he said the suspension has had an effect on the broader Badian tourism industry.
“Not only Kawasan is affected but also other tourist spots in Badian, like Lambug,” he said, adding that tourists now opt to visit other towns.
Lambug Beach in Barangay Lambug is known for its white sand and blue crystal waters. It is just a few kilometers away from the Kawasan Falls.
Endab said the low tourist arrivals could mean a decline in sales of accommodation businesses as well.
“When tourists visit Badian town, they usually spend more than a day here because of how tiresome the canyoneering is. Thus, there are businesses that offer places where tourists can stay. They are affected as well,” he said, adding that businesses have reported cancellations of guest reservations.
Endab said the temporary closure of Kawasan Falls will also eventually hurt local farmers and fisherfolk from whom hospitality businesses source their supplies of meat, fruits, vegetables and fish products.
“Majority of people’s businesses here rely on the tourists,” he said.
Governor Garcia ordered the temporary closure and suspension of canyoneering activities in Badian to clear the area of the hazardous metallic spikes that are remnants of Typhoon Haiyan (Odette) that hit in December 2021.
Also, the Capitol will demolish illegal structures found around the easement zones of Kawasan Falls.
On June 2, Garcia issued Executive Order (EO) 14 to temporarily stop the canyoneering and other tourist activities in Kawasan Falls while the demolition was being done.
According to Sugbo News, Capitol’s online news portal, Garcia said the help of the provincial government is required not only to demolish the structures but also to control any canyoneering activities at the Kawasan Falls in Barangay Matutinao.
As a result, modifications are anticipated, especially in the new regulations that will be put in place, such as in the enforcement of standard rates.
Prior to issuing the order, Garcia gave the municipal and barangay officials notice.
“I do not want a black mark on Cebu’s tourism, particularly on Kawasan Falls, which is a recognized and one of the most beautiful falls in the world. So, rather than allow that disaster to happen, we might as well take preemptive action. That’s why I had to issue that EO,” said the governor.