Tourism is fast becoming a booming industry in the coastal town of Dauin as its government reported a big jump to more than P2 million in earning from tourist ticket sales last year.

The fee ticketing system installed within the nine marine protected areas in Dauin generated a total of more than P2.3 million on the third quarter of 2005. The system generates its sales from diving and ecotourism activities within the eight barangays of Dauin, including the renowned Apo Island, the major tourist attraction of the province and a premier diving spot in the country.

The other barangays are Bulak, Lipayo, District 1, District II, Masaplod Norte, Masaplod Sur, and Maayongtubig.

Part of last year's initial income also partially resulted from fines collected from erring local and foreign tourists who violated the Coastal Resource Management Plan and Ordinance, which bans, among others, spear fishing and scuba diving inside the marine sanctuary, Marife Tenido, public information officer of Dauin said.

The CRMP is a five-year ordinance that is now implemented and enforced in Dauin's marine protected areas. Recently, the coastal resource management program won last year's Galing Pook Award received by Mayor Rodrigo Alanano from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Malacañang.

Dauin is reported to be the only town in the country that has effectively established 10 marine sanctuaries, which, aside from protecting coastal resources, also turned into certified tourist attractions.

Dauin had also been awarded as best implementer of the Coastal Resource Management in both the province and Region 7 in 2003.*

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