GUIMARAS – The International Open Water Swim Circuit is coming to this island province.
Guimaras will host the third leg of the event from June 29 to 30 at Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMAR) in Nueva Valencia town.
Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6, the event aims to establish Western Visayas as a leading destination for sports and ecotourism, particularly for open water swimming.
Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, director of the DOT-6, said the two-day event will not only showcase open water swimming as a sport but will also boost environmental sustainability and community engagement. It will likewise promote Guimaras as one of the top tourism destinations in the region.
The sports event, meanwhile, will only accommodate 150 participants, Rodriguez said.
Mayor Paul Vincent De la Cruz is thrilled that their town was chosen to host the International Open Water Swim Circuit.
He said the sport event could help promote the tourism industry of Nueva Valencia, particularly the TINMAR which is one of the 372 designated marine protected areas in the country.
For its part, Provincial Board member Felipe Hilan A. Nava noted that the event would also create a multifaceted impact for the province, promoting tourism, economic growth, environmental sustainability, community engagement, health, and cultural heritage.Nava also assured the participants of their safety and security, noting that measures from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are already in place.
TINMAR was declared a protected area in 1990 under Presidential Proclamation No. 525.
Covering a total area of 1,143 hectares, it is composed of two major islands of Taklong and Tandog, with small islets located within the two coastal barangays – La Paz and San Roque in Nueva Valencia.
The big mangrove trees protected the local communities from storms.
The area boasts of rich marine biodiversity comprising of coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass, algal bed, and deep-water habitats.
Aside from marine life, TINMAR also attracts different species of birds which made the mangrove forests their habitat.
The first leg of the International Open Water Swim Circuit was held in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental in February this year, followed by the second leg in Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo in April. The final leg will be in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in September. (With additional reports from Province of Guimaras Facebook page)/PN
