Tabango: The local government of Tabango in Leyte is stepping up efforts to promote Kimud Shoal as a major dive tourism destination and strengthen the town's tourism activities. Mayor Ma. Corazon Remandaban emphasized that the town aims to establish Kimud Shoal as part of Tabango's tourism identity, moving away from the perception that this marine attraction is primarily linked to Malapascua Island in Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, the local government is aiming to attract more divers and increase tourism revenues for Tabango by developing plans to promote Kimud Shoal. Mayor Remandaban stated that the town continues to coordinate with dive operators in Malapascua while working to expand awareness of Kimud Shoal's potential as a tourism destination. For years, tourism activities at the shoal have generated income for dive shops operating in Malapascua.
Before becoming mayor, Vice Mayor Benjo Remandaban had already raised the issue with officials of Daanbantayan, particularly concerning the collection of environmental fees from tourists visiting the shoal. Previously, these fees went entirely to the local government of Daanbantayan.
Kimud Shoal is known as a cleaning station for thresher sharks, attracting divers who wish to observe these species in their natural habitat. The sharks are drawn to the area by small fish that feed on parasites and other debris on their bodies. Thresher sharks are notable for their exceptionally long tails, which can comprise nearly half of their body length.
Recognizing the site's ecological importance, the Tabango government formally established Kimud Shoal as a Marine Protected Area on February 6 this year, as part of efforts to conserve its marine biodiversity. The municipality has also created the Kimud Shoal Operations Unit to monitor and regulate tourism activities and patrol the protected area.
To support conservation and enforcement, the local government has invested in patrol equipment, including a motorized banca mother ship, a dinghy, and a speedboat. Mayor Remandaban mentioned that Tabango is also seeking assistance from the Philippine Ports Authority to improve its port facilities. The proposed improvements are aimed at allowing larger vessels carrying tourists to dock in Tabango, providing visitors with better access to the municipality.
The mayor expressed that improved port infrastructure, coupled with stronger tourism promotion and marine conservation efforts, could help Tabango maximize the economic benefits of Kimud Shoal while protecting the area's marine resources.
