THE Cebu Provincial Government signed on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, an agreement with the local government units of Ginatilan and Malabuyoc to preserve and ensure the “sustainable and regulated” operation of the Ginatilan-Malabuyoc River Adventure (Gimara).
According to a post from the Capitol’s public information office, the agreement underscores tourism practices and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Gimara highlights the picturesque Looc River and Kabutongan Falls.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia represented the Province of Cebu in formalizing the agreement with Ginatilan Mayor Roy Vincent Singco and Malabuyoc Mayor Erlinda Piedad.
MOA
The signed memorandum of agreement contains strict guidelines for river adventure activities, such as trekking and other recreational pursuits.
All tour guides, operators, and related businesses involved in Gimara activities are required to secure accreditation from the Cebu Provincial Government and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to ensure the quality and safety of services offered to tourists.
Moreover, under the agreement, revenues generated from Gimara will be transparently distributed, with the municipalities of Ginatilan and Malabuyoc receiving equal shares of 50 percent each.
To enhance efficiency, the Province will implement an online booking system for all activities.
As part of the initiative, over a hundred tour guides who completed DOT training and certification have been registered under the Capitol’s Sugbo Segurado insurance system.
This program provides safety nets to tour guides in case of accidents while performing their duties.
Gimara river adventure opens
For just P1,250, visitors can experience the unique river adventure; bookings for Gimara adventure packages are currently available at the municipal halls of both towns.
“Ang nakanindot ini, Malabuyoc ug Ginatilan, kay they opted to start right nga ang pagsugod pa lang, insakto na (The good thing about this is that Malabuyoc and Ginatilan opted to start the right way. From the very beginning, they were already on the right track),” Garcia said, commending the well-organized launch. / CDF