Camiguin, A Top Eco-tourism Destination — DOT Exec

A tourism official in Northern Mindanao clarified that Camiguin has a different positioning compared to Boracay, contrary to a news article that said not much should be expected from the “laid back” province.

Department of Tourism (DOT 10) Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan was reacting to an article by Cagayan de Oro reporter Mark Francisco titled “Camiguin ain’t no Boracay, don’t expect too much: DOT executive” published in Mindanao Daily News and several other outlets on April 16.

In her statement posted on the Facebook page of DOT 10 on April 19, Unchuan said, “while Boracay is a beach destination with a party atmosphere, Camiguin is a top eco-tourism destination that boasts of sites like the ASEAN Heritage mountains like the Mt. Timpoong Hibokhibok, waterfalls, cold springs, hot springs, the famous White Island Sand Bar, Mantigue Island Marine Sanctuary and a unique soda water spring among others that can only be found on the island.”

She said the DOT regional office is happy with Congressman XJ Romualdo’s offer of Camiguin as a summer destination alternative while Boracay is closed to the public starting April 26.

It highlights the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector in this campaign, she added.

Unchuan expressed dismay and disappointment that Mr. Francisco did not even bother to adhere to the basic rules of ethics in reporting.

“He came out with an article that was totally inaccurate and fabricated – with many statement attributions that I vehemently deny to have said,” Unchuan’s statement read.

She said given that she took pains emphasizing the ecotourism positioning of Camiguin, there was no cause for her to comment that “There are no bars there (Camiguin), there is some nightlife but there aren’t really no DJs there like we do in the night circuit here in CDO.”

“That would run counter to the charm that ecotourism and natural experience can offer,” she said.

The article, she said, put the efforts of the DOT team and that of the local government units and private sector in peril adding that they worked hard to attain the growing stature of Camiguin in the tourism map and it is a total disservice to these efforts to publish the blatant lies.

She said the kind of cooperation made the tourism promotion campaign “FEEL CAMIGUIN” go viral and become successful that is credited to the local production initiated by Congressman Romualdo and the provincial tourism team.

Unchuan refuted Francisco’s claim that she said, “Camiguin doesn’t have much in terms of modern tourist amenities as Boracay has.”

“Camiguin is an emerging destination that as yet does not have the number of resorts that a mature destination like Boracay has – especially five-star resorts,” she explained.

There are a number of ongoing constructions such as a 200-room high end hotel in Mambajao though there are DOT-accredited hotels that have a combined capacity of 200 rooms.

“Overall, there are over 850 rooms available including homestays. I added that we go as high as 905 rooms,” Unchuan’s statement read.

She denied having said that Camiguin pales in comparison to the millions of visitors that Boracay takes in every year.

“What I tried to make him understand was that we are adopting a more sustainable way to grow our tourism market by balancing this with the carrying capacity of the island. I specifically mentioned that we want to learn lessons from the Boracay experience and so we want to carefully plan and not overbook so that we can preserve and protect the island’s environment,” her statement said. “I even commended the efforts of the local government to implement environmental laws as evidenced by their ordinances banning plastic bags in the business establishments long before the Boracay issue.”

Unchuan also denied Mr. Francisco’s allegations that she advised against Congressman Romulado’s invitation.

“If he bothered to check, he would have seen that we even shared his article on our Facebook page and my personal Facebook wall to support his invitation for Camiguin,” the statement added.

Camiguin, she said, promises to be a great destination and Francisco’s article ran counter to the DOT’s efforts to position it as such.

“In fact, Secretary Wanda Teo has named Camiguin as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines upon our recommendation,” she added.

Unchuan appealed to the media especially in Mindanao to continue being one with the DOT in its concerted efforts to promote tourism in areas where it is much needed.

“Most of our efforts are done to ensure that there is inclusive growth and the community benefits in the process. Responsible media and reporting play a crucial role in making this happen,” she said.

The DOT official also demanded an apology and rectification from Francisco for the sake of the truth, fairness, transparency, and journalism ethics. (PNA)