Samar gov’t turns over 125 safety gears to river guides

PARANAS, Samar, -- The Samar provincial government has turned over 125 safety gears to Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization, Incorporated (Torpedo, Inc.) on Monday.

The PHP200,000 worth of gears include throw bags, rash guard, personal floatation device, knee and elbow padding, booties, and helmet, which can be used for the boat-riding activity along Ulot River.

“We needed to revitalize the activity because we know that it has so much potential,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Tiopes during the turn over ceremony.
Number of visitors in the river has reached up to 200 during rainy season and 500 tourists during summer days.

“We cannot deny the fact that the eco-tourism is one of the potentials that we have here in Samar,” said Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos.

Concrete road, trail, and hanging bridge will be constructed in 2016 to make the river more accessible and tourist-friendly.

“We are very thankful for this project because it helped divert our livelihood from transporting illegal logs,” said one of the river guides.

In the past, the Ulot River was the nautical highway for transporting people and illegally cut logs. (PNA)
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