STAKEHOLDERS IN Oslob town have agreed to reduce the number of daily tourists who can go whale shark watching to 800 from 1,000 as part of efforts to balance environmental protection with economic gains. Following a consultative meeting, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale said the number was agreed upon by the tour operators, boatmen, and government agencies that regulate tourism activities in the area. The 800 tourists will be divided among the current 182 boatmen operating in Barangay Tan-awan. The Department of Tourism recommended setting up a reservation center to centralize the booking of guests. Other measures that will be implemented in the popular tourist destination, such as new rates and public facilities, will be discussed in the coming weeks. “Let us not wait for the President to order the closure of Oslob for rehabilitation just like in Boracay,” Ms. Magpale said in Visayan. — The Freeman

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