By Alfonso T. Ruda
LABASON, Zamboanga del Norte - In an effort to develop this town’s tourism potentials, the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) has recently held a one day seminar on Tourism Awarenes and Sustainability for resort owners and restaurant operators at Kulz Resto Bar here.
The activity aimed to update the resort and restaurant operators on the tourism programs and projects that would help improve their facilities and services.
For his part, Mayor Eddie Quimbo reminded the resort owners and operators to comply with the requirements set by the municipal government more particularly on cleanliness in their surroundings and courtesy in dealing with customers.
In a related development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with the municipal government here has declared the Murcielagos Island Ecological Park as an eco-tourism destination owing to its natural beauty and huge potential for attracting tourists who would like to experience the true essence of nature where “the sea, the moon and the sun meet in the horizon.”
The Murcielagos Island Ecological Park is part of the 251-hectare Murcielagos Island Protected Landscape and Seascape consisting of two islands locally known as Bayangan and Baiudyong, located off the coast of this town.
These islands, which could be reached by boat in 45 minutes from Labason, are endowed with white coral sand beaches and seabed, unique type of biodiversity and rich marine resources, making them ideal for bird watching, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hook and line fishing, photography, camping, island tour, and other beach-type sport activities.
With the military, PNP and members of Special Police Auxiliary Units being deployed in the islands, Mayor Quimbo sees no problem on security and safety of the visitors.