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Whale shark sightings signal start of ‘butanding’ season in Donsol

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SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) -- Frequent sightings of whale sharks in the coastal town of Donsol in Sorsogon mark the start of the season for people to interact with the world's largest fish. 

Butanding interaction officers (BIOs) reported that scores of whale sharks have been feeding in the waters off Donsol since last month. 

With the anticipated arrival of domestic and foreign tourists in Donsol, the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office (PTCAO) launched the "Pagbutwa" project in collaboration with the municipal government of Donsol and other stakeholders on Jan. 17. 

"Pagbutwa" is a Sorsoganon term that means emergence or arrival. It is an invitation to see the hidden marine beauty of Donsol as the whale sharks rise from the sea, ready to interact with the sightseers.

“We launched the Pagbutwa project this January as this is the month that marks the Butanding season on the coast of Donsol and becomes the town's prime attraction,” Bobby Gigantone, PTCAO head, said.

"Pagbutwa" will not only mark the beginning of the festive butanding watching season but also serve as the launch of the provincial government's Kagandahan Program Boat Enhancement Project.

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“This project aims to enhance and sustain the eco-tourism experience not only in Sorsogon but in the entire Bicol region. It promises a memorable experience by celebrating the natural beauty of Sorsogon while contributing to the economic empowerment and environmental sustainability of the province," Gigantone said.

He said the project was also designed to support the local boatmen by providing them with subsidies to enhance their boats, thus creating more livelihood opportunities and boosting tourism objectives.

As a part of the boat enhancement project, 171 new boats with uniform colors were given to 42 boat operators in Donsol. Additionally, the boat operators, crew, and BIOs were provided with uniforms, training, and additional financial aid.

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Whale sharks are sighted everywhere in the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon. Code of Conduct in interacting with butandings includes 4 meter minimum distance, no touching, no flash/strobes and two meters for motorised vessels to minimize disturbance to the world's endangered giant fish. (Photo: Elysia Beach Resort)
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Two or more whale sharks are sighted almost everyday during peak season in Donsol, Sorsogon. Photo: Donsol Municipal Tourism Office
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Around P6 million was allocated by the provincial government to the Kagandahan project.

Earlier this month, Sorsogon Gov. Edwin Hamor instructed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to profile boat operators, crew and BIOs who will benefit from the boat enhancement project.

The profiling is the initial process of providing additional assistance and financial aid that will serve as incentives for Donsol tourism front liners.

Elmer Quizon, the president of the Butanding Interaction Officer's Association, said that the project was a big help for them, particularly the training that enhanced their communication skills and made it easy for them to interact with their guests. The P2,500 financial assistance per person was also a big help.

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Quizon, who has been a BIO for about 20 years now, said the life of a BIO is very exciting but also very challenging. 

Elaborating on it, Quizon said: “It is exciting because we get to meet people of different nationalities and statuses in life. At sea, we are in charge of giving lectures and making sure everyone follows us. It becomes challenging because whale shark interaction has an on-and-off season, and we must know how to manage our earned money to survive during lean months.”

Samuel Sueso, the president of the Butanding Boat Operator's Association, has been a boat operator for 23 years now. He said that the project is helping him sustain his children's studies. He also mentioned that two of his children were inspired to take a tourism course because of his work as a boat operator.

Sueso said the Butanding off-season affects their economic activities, just like it does for other boat operators. However, he is grateful for the abundance of marine life in Donsol waters. 

During peak season, they work for Butanding interaction, and during the lean season, they go fishing. 

Quizon and Sueso appealed to the local government to help them find better alternative jobs, especially during the off-season. 

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Whale sharks populate Donsol waters from November to June, with peak numbers in January.

The best months to see and interact with them are from February to April. These gentle giants cruise Donsol waters because their primary food sources, plankton and algae, are abundant in Donsol River, which feeds into Donsol Bay.

As of 2023, the World Wildlife Fund - Donsol has identified 43 individual whale sharks that have visited its waters, 16 of which are newcomers to Donsol. This brings the total number of identified whale sharks in the Philippines to 2,040.

Donsol Municipal Tourism Officer Dondon Llagas said that Mayor Ted De Guzman provides programs to help provide quality service with dignity to every Donsolanon.

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According to BIO Elmer Quizon, whaleshark in Donsol has two types - the shy one and the gentle one. These whalesharks can grow up to a length of 41 feet and a weight of 43,000 pounds or more. (Photo: Elysia Beach Resort)
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Visitors can go directly at the Butanding Visitors Center at Barangay Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon for the orientation before the actual interaction. (PIA Sorsogon photo)
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They remind their frontlines, including homestay/hotel and resort owners, to provide the best service to their guests and keep up with international standards.

According to Llagas, what makes Donsol unique is the spirit of conservation, protection, and preservation of marine wildlife and the environment. This is why tourists repeatedly come back to Donsol.

“We practice natural interaction with our Butanding without feeding them. We hold onto our hashtags: #YesToHealthyButanding #NoToFeeding,” said Llagas.

Llagas is inviting visitors, both local and international, to take advantage of the opportunity to witness the majestic Butanding in the waters of Donsol.

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Those interested are encouraged to book their accommodation as soon as possible and immerse themselves in the wonders of the world’s largest fish.

As the whale shark capital of the world, Donsol promises to provide a memorable encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.

To ensure a comfortable stay in Donsol, explore a curated list of DOT-accredited accommodations through this link: https://www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice/posts/pfbid0NZy5v7mN3ULmrMXRu4cWvWMRpqAMojHpF1bDYLo8bUeQtXxyJbrKcQg1NEh5Swwyl

For inquiries, reach out to Dondon Llagas at (0926) 5821948. (PIA 5/Sorsogon)

About the Author

Benilda Recebido

Information Center Manager

Region 5

Benilda "Bennie" Recebido is the Information Center Manager of PIA Sorsogon.

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