CEBU CITY – A group of paddling enthusiasts here is set to sail around the southern part of Cebu Island in a 200-km., long-distance paddling expedition called “Paddle Forward Cebu“.
Six men will undertake the journey in five days, starting at the Il Corso at the South Road Properties in Cebu City on June 12. They are expected to reach their final destination in the municipality of Moalboal on June 16.
The Philippine Outrigger Canoe Club, a non-profit group, aims to promote Cebu as a potential paddling destination in the Philippines, its president Buzzy Budlong said on Friday.
Budlong, in an interview after he met with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, noted that Cebu is naturally a great destination for this water sports, being a narrow island surrounded by coastal municipalities and cities.
His group met with Garcia and municipal officials of Moalboal to get their permission to hold the event, to which the governor and the local government of Moalboal agreed so long as they comply with the requirements and permits to ensure the safety of the protected areas in the seawaters and the existing tourism activities in the province.
During the meeting, Moalboal Mayor Paz Rozgoni, who was present along with Vice Mayor Inocentes Cabaron, welcomed the activity provided the POCC secures a permit from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Protected Area Management Board because Moalboal’s waters are a protected area.
Moalboal is a famous diving site because of its cathedral of corals and sardine run. The nearby town of Oslob is also famous for its whale sharks.
Garcia expressed her support for the group's initiative, as it is in line with the provincial government's push to revive the island's tourism industry.
Budlong said they intend to document their five-day trip using a six-man, free-energy single outrigger canoe, said to be a first in the country.
He said the adventure would showcase the beauty of Cebu Island as a potential paddling destination in the Pacific.
Paddling, he added, is a way for the local tourism industry to promote sports tourism and support the tourism recovery initiative without marine disruption and environmental impact. (PNA)
