Butanding (Rhincodon Typus): A Key for Progress of the Municipality of Donsol

Authors

  • Matt Ocharan

Keywords:

Butanding, Progress, tourism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Donsol used to be a sleepy coastal town in the Province of Sorsogon. Today, the relative peace being enjoyed by this town is disturbed by the arrival of the Butanding (Rhincodon typus), which has become the showcase of its incipient tourism industry. The sudden influx of visitors caught the local officials, including the residents, flatfooted. The attraction of the Butanding is not at all surprising because it is rarely found in other parts of the world.

 

METHODS

The study administered 25 respondents coming from different resorts, staff, tourism office, and the LGU of Donsol. This study used the descriptive-survey method. The descriptive was used to identify frequencies, average, and other calculation to utilize the gathered data describing, characterizing and providing a picture of the capability, understanding, and knowledge in our nature to preserved and protect the Butanding (Rhincodon typus). The researcher sought the cooperation of the resorts and LGU Donsol in answering the test survey questionnaire that helps the researchers in making a valid conclusion for the study.

 

RESULTS

The study further revealed that to enhance the tourism industry of Donsol the Local Government Unit of Donsol must build some infrastructures like museum and food chains/ restaurant. The study found that most of the existing infrastructures are way popular in the tourism industry but were threatened by stiff competition, during the summer seasonn, these infrastructures have a greater opportunity to have higher arrival of tourist, thus, increasing their income. During a typhoon, these infrastructures will threaten their income. The study also revealed that Butanding was one of the endangered species, and considered as a tourist attraction in Donsol. Most of the respondents have expressed fondness as it is a gentle type of fish compared to other big fish. The benefits to the people of Donsol from the presence of butanding imply that jobs will be more stable, while the butanding can be protected and preserved through implementing policies and proper waste disposal.

 

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, the Local Government Unit of Donsol shall have a seminar to all resort’s owners along with their staff, LGU officers and personnel for the tourism office to give them ideas on how to manage their business and how to protect butanding, the main source of their income. 

Published

2019-01-18