CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, March 23 (PNA) -– The Department of Tourism (DOT) started Monday a six-day training for 27 fishermen who will be snorkeling guides in the city’s dive sites.
City tourism and information officer Ronald Ricafort said the training is part of the promotional activity of the department for the identified dive sites in Calbayog.
The DOT through Louie Mencias of Blue Water consultancy held an inspection on the potential dive sites in the island towns of Sto. Niño and Almagro in Northern Samar and Calbayog City.
Ricafort said the city recommended Daraga Islet in Malajog village, Isla Pawikan and Puy-aw in Binaliw village and Kinawan Reef in San Joaquin village.
The 27 participants are residents of the three coastal villages where the dive sites are located.
“The participants are mostly fisher folks and I’m happy to note that we have at least two participants who are formerly into illegal dynamite fishing.” Ricafort said.
The theoretical seminar is being held at Marju Krisel Resort in the morning while the practical training or application will be in the identified sites in the afternoon, for the whole duration of the activity.
After the six-day training, participants are expected to increase their knowledge about the attraction under the sea. Participants will also have the basic knowledge and technical details on snorkeling and scuba diving.
Ricafort said that part of the development plan for the site is to put up a receiving area for visitors where briefing will be held, food outlet, and amenities like rest rooms and bathrooms.
Once everything is in placed, a people’s organization will be needed to rent-out equipments like life vest and a snorkel and even providing food to the visitors.
“We are looking at providing food that is available in the villages, whatever local food is available. Consultants likewise recommended that soft drinks should not be offered to visitors but only water,” he added.
The local government unit of Calbayog City identified tourism programs as one of its priorities for this year that would benefit poor families in fishing communities. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/JENNIFER S. ALLEGADO
