(DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar is positioning more of its tourism attractions and community-based experiences for inclusion in future international cruise itineraries as the Department of Tourism (DOT) evaluates the province’s destinations, ports and facilities for possible shore excursions.
The DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Office recently completed a cruise site assessment in Samar led by TravelPeople Ltd. Inc., with representatives from Wallem Shipping Philippines Inc., in coordination with the Samar Provincial Tourism Office and concerned local government units.
The assessment covered tourism sites and port facilities in the province’s first and second districts, focusing on accessibility, visitor facilities, tourism attractions, community-based experiences and the capacity of destinations to accommodate international cruise passengers.
In the first district, the assessment team visited Calbayog City and the island municipalities of Sto. Niño and Almagro, among other destinations.
Sites evaluated included Calbayog Port, Manguino-o Port, Lahung Beach, Papan Rock Formation, Island Vista Dive and Beach Resort, Mapaso Hot Spring, Marble Park, Malajog Beach, Tarangban Falls, Kirikite Exotic Diving Resort and Marine Sanctuary, and the Barobataay Ritual.
The team also observed local cultural and community-based experiences, including a tinapa-making demonstration, a heritage tour in Calbayog City and engagements with local tourism stakeholders.
The assessment team met with Samar First District Rep. Stephen James Tan, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman and Almagro Mayor Candido Bona to discuss opportunities for cruise tourism development and possible future collaboration.
The team also visited destinations in the province’s second district, including Catbalogan City, Paranas and Basey.
In Catbalogan City, the team inspected the Catbalogan Fish Port, while in Paranas, it assessed Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, the Pinungko na Mani cooking demonstration, Arboretum ni Papa Donoy, the Paranas Ecotrail and Birding Site, and the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride Adventure.
Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park in Basey were also evaluated as a potential shore excursion destination for international cruise passengers.
Catbalogan City and Paranas are among the destinations included in a scheduled 2027–2028 cruise call by Compagnie du Ponant, making the assessment part of preparations for the planned itinerary.
The DOT said the assessment forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise tourism destination by identifying attractions and facilities that can meet international cruise standards while offering visitors distinctive local and community-based experiences.
The assessment comes as Samar continues to gain exposure in the international cruise tourism market. The province received its first international cruise ship, the Heritage Adventurer, in June 2025, with the vessel returning in June this year.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
