(DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)
PADRE BURGOS, Southern Leyte – The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas (DOT-8) has emphasized the need to balance marine conservation with the protection of local livelihoods during the closing of the dive conversation under the three-day Sogod Bay Underwater Experience.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes thanked local government units, barangay officials, fisherfolk, dive resort owners, tourism stakeholders, environmental groups, the academe, media, and national government agencies for taking part in the dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation in protecting Sogod Bay’s marine resources.
She said dive tourism depends heavily on healthy marine ecosystems.
“Dive tourism and marine conservation are closely connected. Divers come from far places because they want to experience healthy reefs and thriving marine life. This is why protecting our seas also supports tourism and local income,” Tiopes said.
The DOT-8 chief said the forum served as an open platform where stakeholders were encouraged to share experiences, concerns, and ideas on the future of Sogod Bay and its growing dive tourism industry.
She acknowledged that coastal communities have long depended on the sea for food, income, culture, and survival, with fishing sustaining families for generations.
However, she noted the continuing challenge of balancing economic needs with environmental protection to ensure marine resources remain sustainable for future generations.
Tiopes stressed that dialogue among communities, tourism operators, and government agencies is key to building shared responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems.
She also expressed hope that lessons from other dive destinations could guide Sogod Bay in promoting both conservation and livelihood through stronger cooperation between stakeholders.
Sogod Bay, she said, remains ecologically important due to its rich marine biodiversity, healthy coral reefs, and diverse dive sites that continue to attract visitors.
At the same time, she underscored that fishing remains a vital source of livelihood in Southern Leyte, stressing that the goal is not to choose between conservation and livelihood but to achieve a sustainable balance.
“This is why what we are really aiming for is balance — making sure that our seas continue to provide for our needs today, while still being healthy enough to provide for us in the years to come,” she said.
Tiopes urged stakeholders to take part in simple but meaningful actions such as responsible fishing, reef protection, improved tourism practices, and stronger environmental governance.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Councilor Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, a guest speaker at the event, called for stronger cooperation among local governments, communities, and the dive industry.
He stressed the need for greater community understanding of reef protection and its link to livelihoods and future generations.
“Kailangan ang local government and ang community and the dive community to work hand-in-hand in this matter,” Cabaluna said.
He added that marine conservation messages must be made more understandable to local communities so they can fully appreciate the long-term benefits of protecting coral reefs.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
