CALBIGA, Samar – The municipality of Calbiga has highlighted its cultural heritage, strong faith, and natural attractions through the launch of “PAMATRON: The Samar Fiesta Experience,” a four-day immersive tourism program anchored on its annual Pahoy-Pahoy Festival and fiesta in honor of Our Lady of the Annunciation.

The provincial government of Samar described PAMATRON as more than a tourism activity, calling it a “homecoming of spirit” that allows visitors—referred to as “Patronizers”—to experience the traditions, hospitality, and daily life of Calbiganons.

The program reflects Calbiga’s identity as an agricultural and resilient community, while also promoting its eco-tourism destinations such as Lulugayan Falls and the Langun-Gobingob Cave System, one of the largest cave systems in the country.

Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario said the initiative is a way of sharing the town’s heritage and way of life with visitors.

Through PAMATRON, guests are immersed in a structured four-day experience featuring cultural, culinary, ecological, and religious activities.

The highlight is the Pahoy-Pahoy Festival, a thanksgiving tradition rooted in farming history, originally honoring “pahoys” or scarecrows that protected rice fields from birds and has since evolved into a vibrant celebration with street dancing, giant scarecrows, and music.
Activities include a civic parade, street dancing, food-sharing, local games, youth night, market visits, cooking demonstrations, eco-tourism trips, and religious events such as processions and Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Annunciation.

The program also features community immersion activities such as visits to Lulugayan Falls and a send-off event showcasing local delicacies and cultural tokens for participants.
Tourism officials said PAMATRON is being developed as a packaged tour product in coordination with operators, allowing visitors to choose three-day, five-day, or seven-day experiences depending on arrangements and schedules.

The program was first launched in Matuguinao before being introduced in Calbiga as part of efforts to promote Samar’s cultural and eco-tourism destinations.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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)