[TOURISM] Palompon : Your Premier Tourism Destination

WRITTEN BY: MARICAR M. LAUSE

Over the years, it is apparent that Palompon’s economy boosted into greater heights. It transcended not only in the aspect of tourism but in other economic enterprises as well.

According to Lucy Dela Peña, Department of Internal and Local Government (DILG) Officer, “Palompon is the top notched income earner all over Region VIII.” Excluding the other various business sectors, the tourist spots particularly Kalanggaman is the

number one tourism income earner followed by the water system.

Kalanggaman Island

The well-known island captivates visitors not just with its sophisticated sand bars which uniquely stretch beyond the open sea but with its placid ambience. It does not only host guests who reserve their accommodation but also accepts island hoppers and international cruise ships on occasional basis.

On January 26, 2017, the tourism management had a soft opening of the newly developed West Sand Bar Area which has wooden tepees that accommodate guests, tree house and the exciting activities like jet skiing, banana boating, snorkeling, kayaking, sail boating, weight boarding and scuba diving.

The local tourism management provides a good rest room facility observing Gender and Development (GAD) requirements. There is even an under construction pavilion which can accommodate 150 coffee seaters going on as of press time.

According to Engr. Cleofe P. Rivera, Tourism Operation Officer 1, “Our island is very clean, safe and not crowded and it is virgin. This is one peculiarity of Kalanggaman that generates tourists.”

“Within 24 hours, we only accommodate the carrying capacity of 500 persons only because we do not want to overcrowd, we have to secure safety first and sanitation control,” Rivera emphasized.

Tres Marias Mangrove Reef

The Tres Marias Mangrove Reef comprises the Tabuk Marine Park Fish and Bird Sanctuary, Cagban and Gumalac. Among the three, Tabuk is often the visited one. It stands as a symbol of Palompon’s vision for sustainability through environmental protection.

Guests may indulge in bamboo trailing through the mangrove forest. It is a home not only for fishes and birds but also to giant fruit-eating bats. From Tabuk Islet, these mammals fly in colonies to the mountains at dusk to feed.

The other two reefs are Cabgan and Gumalac, the biggest among the three. These reefs are sources for fish supplies and other sea food products that the locals of the municipality export.

Eco- Terrestrial Adventure Park

Another nature wonder is located in Brgy. Liberty, Palompon, Leyte which is 10 kilometers from the town.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) initiatives have the socalled Mind over Matter activity for those groups of adventurers who enjoy trekking, rappelling and spelunking. It encompasses two entry points from the Liberty trail of Brgy. Liberty and Kabaliwan

trail wherein the starting point lies in Brgy. Santiago.

The latter trail route starting from the Kabaliwan trail will pass on the Dry River Bed approaching the succeeding caves such as Kapagngan, Tangkal, Tres Naves, Kabyawan and the far-flung Pundol cave.

The next destination is the Quarry Viewing Deck Station which overlooks the mountain where monkeys dwell. There is also the Broken Rock Viewing Destination before going to the exit point at Brgy. Tinubdan. All throughout the trail, there are four ranger stations and campsite areas.

Palompon tourism is now developing additional exciting activities such as zip line, sky ride and plunge. Furthermore, the quarterly accumulating tourists’ arrivals are clear epitome of the tourism success. The latter has paved the way for the LGU of Palompon Tourism Management to perpetually develop tourists’ spots and observed congenial accommodation treatment for the guests.

Apart from the commendable tourism economy, other contributing programs Palompon can bank on is the solid waste management which is now almost a show window for all other municipalities. The LGU is very particular with the proper segregation of bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste.

In addition, the Palompon Emergency Rescue Team (PERT) conducts the Disaster Risk Management. “Our Mayor Oñate is also a teacher in our economic resiliency of the town. He is so practical in guidelines and as long as the town is safe, secured and at peace, economy will boom,” Rivera stressed.

PHOTOS BY: HERMAN O. DONAIRE