Leyte’s Cuatro Islas positioned as prime tourist site

The TIDP for Cuatro Islas is seen to support the overall development of the area as a prime tourist destination in the Eastern Visayas region, NEDA said. (File photo by Maximilian Felkel/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

TACLOBAN CITY – The government is pushing for infrastructure projects within Leyte’s Cuatro Islas, taking into consideration the destination’s carrying capacity, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office here reported on Friday.

In a phone interview, NEDA Eastern Visayas regional director Meylene Rosales said the Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsed during its virtual meeting on August 4 the tourism infrastructure development plan (TIDP) for Cuatro Islas, done by a private consulting firm.

The TIDP for Cuatro Islas is seen to support the overall development of the area as a prime tourist destination in the Eastern Visayas region, NEDA said.

One of the proposed improvements, Rosales said, is the development of an integrated mangrove forest boardwalk along the mangrove forest between Inopacan and Hindang town.

This is to enhance the tourism product through conservation and preservation initiative, provide recreational activities, as well as educational opportunities to both residents and visitors alike, the official said.

“The development plan covers the physical, economic, social, biophysical, environmental, psychological, and tourism aspects to enhance the utmost potential of said areas as vibrant tourism and investment attraction while maintaining its integrity, competitiveness, security, and resiliency from disasters,” Rosales added.

NEDA refused to disclose the proposed amount required destination’s infrastructure development since it is still to be finalized.

The feasibility study was funded last year through NEDA’s project development and other related studies fund.

Also included are Baler, Aurora; Malapascua Island, Cebu; and Guimaras Island.

These destinations are part of the priority clusters in the country with high tourist arrivals and potential, as well as strong institutional support from the local government units concerned and other stakeholders.

Department of Tourism regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes was pleased that Cuatro Islas is getting attention from the central government.

“We are happy to know that of the many island destinations in the county, it was named as one of the four focused destinations that will be given much-needed development support. The four islands – being declared as protected landscape and seascape – needs a proper plan that will ensure its sustainable and responsible development,” Tiopes said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Frequently visited by cruise tourists, Cuatro Islas in Hindang and Inopacan, covers an area of 12,500 hectares known for its white sandy shores surrounded by coral gardens, which are considered as one of the best in Leyte Island. It is home to Tridachna and marine turtles such as the Green Sea and Hawkbill turtle.

Experts found 287 species of reef-building corals in the island’s waters. It is also a rich fishing ground and a home to countless diverse coastal and marine organisms, wildlife, and ecosystems.