(DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY – The municipality of Basey in Samar is preparing for a possible entry into Eastern Visayas’ expanding cruise tourism circuit after government and cruise industry representatives assessed its top attractions for potential inclusion in international cruise itineraries beginning in 2027.
Basey Mayor Luz Ponferrada said the local government is ready to undertake the necessary preparations should the town be selected as one of the region’s cruise destinations.
“Definitely, pag-aandaman namun ini,” Ponferrada said, referring to the recent site inspection conducted by representatives of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office 8, TravelPeople Ltd. Inc., and Wallem Shipping Philippines Inc.
The assessment is part of preparations for the possible inclusion of Basey in international cruise ship routes between 2027 and 2028.
Among the sites inspected was the Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park, an 841-hectare ecotourism destination managed by the Sohoton Cave Services Cooperative. The attraction is known for its towering limestone cliffs, cathedral-like caves, and a massive natural stone bridge linking two mountain ridges.
The inspection team evaluated the site’s tourism appeal, accessibility, visitor facilities, and its readiness to accommodate international cruise passengers.
Ponferrada said becoming part of the region’s cruise tourism circuit would provide a major economic boost for Basey while giving wider exposure to the town’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its centuries-old banig (woven mat) industry.
“Daku ini nga bulig ha amun bungto, kay kun dumagsa ini nga mga international tourists durudaku ini nga income ha amun bungto, and mas makikilala pa kami,” she said.
She added that increased tourist arrivals would create livelihood opportunities for local residents while promoting Basey’s internationally recognized handwoven mats and other locally made products to foreign visitors.
Eastern Visayas has been aggressively promoting cruise tourism as a new growth sector, with several destinations in the region already included in international expedition cruise itineraries.
Samar province joined the region’s cruise tourism destinations in 2025 following the visit of the Heritage Adventurer, an expedition vessel operated by New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions. During the port call, passengers visited the Paranas Ecotrail, joined birdwatching activities, and toured the Arboretum ni Papa Donoy in Paranas, Samar.
Provincial and tourism officials are optimistic that adding Basey to future cruise itineraries will further strengthen Samar’s position as an emerging ecotourism and cultural tourism destination in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
