DIGYO ISLAND,INOPACAN,Leyte– More than 80 foreign tourists aboard the luxury expedition cruise ship SH Minerva visited Digyo Island, this town, immersing themselves in the local culture, traditional livelihoods, and island cuisine as Eastern Visayas continues to position itself as a destination for sustainable cruise tourism.
The 85 passengers of the Swan Hellenic cruise ship, mostly Russians and Italians, along with visitors from Brazil, China, and the United States, spent time interacting with residents and learning about the island community’s way of life.
During their half-day visit, the tourists observed traditional weaving using Romblon, a type of screw pine locally crafted into bags, hats, and mats.
They also watched local fishermen repair damaged fishing nets and witnessed the production of dried fish, one of the island’s common livelihood activities.
Another highlight of the cultural immersion was the gathering of coconut nectar used in producing tuba, a traditional coconut wine. Visitors were given a chance to taste both the freshly harvested tuba and its fermented version locally known as bahal.
The guests also sampled various local delicacies, including kabkab — a crispy cassava cracker — as well as puto bilanghoy, puto kutsinta, bibingka, camote cue, and biko.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the region hopes to attract more expedition cruise ships, noting that smaller groups are easier to manage and allow deeper cultural interaction with local communities.
“Expedition cruises have fewer guests and they are into immersion. We want fewer crowds so they can easily be managed,” Tiopes said.
She added that the DOT hopes visitors will leave with meaningful experiences worth sharing with others.
Tiopes also expressed gratitude that Eastern Visayas was included in Swan Hellenic’s maiden Philippine voyage.
Aside from cultural activities, the tourists enjoyed swimming in Digyo Island’s turquoise waters and relaxing along its white sand beaches.
Digyo Island was the third Philippine port call of SH Minerva. Prior to Leyte, the cruise ship visited Casulian Island in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, and Bohol.
After Leyte, the vessel is scheduled to continue to Romblon and later visit destinations in Luzon, including Hundred Islands and Batanes, before proceeding to Japan.
Digyo Island is part of the Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape located in Leyte’s fifth district. The island group also includes Apid, Mahaba, and Himokilan islands.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
