A marine sanctuary is a marine protected area or MPA that is a part of the ocean where human activity is limited by the government. Cebu has a number of marine sanctuaries in different parts of the island. These marine sanctuaries were established to ensure marine life can propagate and increase the supply of fish for the fisherfolk in the area. One of these marine sanctuaries is located in the town of Ginatilan
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary – image source: en.wikipedia.org
Ginatilan
The town of Ginatilan is situated in the southwestern part of Cebu. It is known as the hometown of the second Filipino saint, St. Pedro Calungsod. The place used to be called hinatdan, which means bringing things to the place. The town used to be a barangay of the neighboring town of Samboan. During this time, Ginatilan already had a chapel but the chapel was only a structure and did not have any of the things used for a mass. Each time a mass was held at the place, all the things necessary for the mass were brought to the place. The name of the town was eventually changed to Ginatilan by the Spaniards after they found it hard to pronounce the word hinatdan.
The town of Ginatilan is situated in the southwestern part of Cebu. It is known as the hometown of the second Filipino saint, St. Pedro Calungsod. The place used to be called hinatdan, which means bringing things to the place. The town used to be a barangay of the neighboring town of Samboan. During this time, Ginatilan already had a chapel but the chapel was only a structure and did not have any of the things used for a mass. Each time a mass was held at the place, all the things necessary for the mass were brought to the place. The name of the town was eventually changed to Ginatilan by the Spaniards after they found it hard to pronounce the word hinatdan.
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary – image source: flickr.com
Marine Sanctuary
The marine sanctuary in Ginatilan was established on February 1, 2006 and is located in Barangay Poblacion. It was meant to protect and safeguard a coral reef system in the area. The coral reef is the habitat, breeding ground, and nursery of fish and other marine life. Protecting the coral reef allows fish and marine life to thrive and eventually grow to maturity without any constant physical disturbance from human activity. It allows the number of larvae to increase and ensures they grow into mature fish, which would circulate around the marine sanctuary and traditional fishing areas along the coast of the town.
The marine sanctuary in Ginatilan was established on February 1, 2006 and is located in Barangay Poblacion. It was meant to protect and safeguard a coral reef system in the area. The coral reef is the habitat, breeding ground, and nursery of fish and other marine life. Protecting the coral reef allows fish and marine life to thrive and eventually grow to maturity without any constant physical disturbance from human activity. It allows the number of larvae to increase and ensures they grow into mature fish, which would circulate around the marine sanctuary and traditional fishing areas along the coast of the town.
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary – image source: cnujanecs.blogspot.com
Other Tourist Spots in Ginatilan
Aside from the marine sanctuary, Ginatilan also has a number of other tourist spots where visitors can drop by for a visit. The most famous tourist spot in the town is the Inambakan Falls, which is a three-level waterfall system. Another noteworthy place to visit is the Ginatilan Lighthouse, which is one of the last remaining lighthouses in the island.
Aside from the marine sanctuary, Ginatilan also has a number of other tourist spots where visitors can drop by for a visit. The most famous tourist spot in the town is the Inambakan Falls, which is a three-level waterfall system. Another noteworthy place to visit is the Ginatilan Lighthouse, which is one of the last remaining lighthouses in the island.
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary – image source: flickr.com
Getting to Ginatilan
You can get to Ginatilan by getting on a bus bound for the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. The trip to the town takes around four hours. Once you reach the town, you can get on a motorcycle for hire to take you to the marine sanctuary.
You can get to Ginatilan by getting on a bus bound for the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. The trip to the town takes around four hours. Once you reach the town, you can get on a motorcycle for hire to take you to the marine sanctuary.
Ginatilan Marine Sanctuary – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Even as Cebu is blessed with numerous natural attractions that have piqued the interest of visitors from all around the world, it is still very important to make sure we take care of them. One way to take care of these natural attractions is to establish marine sanctuaries where marine life can thrive and continue to provide not only a suitable livelihood for the locals, but offer another place where tourist can appreciate the beauty of nature.
Have you visited the marine sanctuary in Ginatilan already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
Have you visited the marine sanctuary in Ginatilan already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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