Miss Universe Candidates Whale Shark Interaction Criticized By Some Environmentalists
The Department of Tourism (DOT) reacts on the criticism for allowing Miss Universe candidates interaction with whale sharks.
The agency has received a lot of criticism from some people and groups of environmentalists for allowing the candidates of Miss Universe 2016 to interact with whale sharks off the coast on Oslob, Cebu.
Earlier this week, Miss Universe candidates were set out to swim and interact together with those sea creatures. The interaction with whale sharks lasts for more than 30 minutes and the resident of Oslob was glad for their visit. One of its resident Jomer Duruon, Boat Operator said that they honor the candidates visit to introduce Oslod with foreign countries.
Strict guidelines and rules were instructed to some beauty candidates, according to DOT undersecretary for media affairs Kat de Castro in a press conference.
An expert whale shark advocate believes that the visit of the beauty candidates can increase the tourism rate in the place but the interaction and feeding the whale shark is not good.
Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippines, said that people should be educated why it is not good to feed whale sharks because they promote natural interactions with these animals. Some people were disappointed in what happened and aired their sentiments online.
Mayor Jose Tumulak of Oslob, Cebu said that the candidates of Miss Universe have obeyed the rules and regulations on whale shark interaction such as not applying sunscreen on their skin, and not using a camera with flash during their swimming.
“The marine wildlife interaction was pursued after having been assured by both Cebu and Oslob government officials that it would be well-managed according to their guidelines,” De Castro said.
DOT undersecretary said that they will have a meeting with environmentalists to discuss their primary concern on the proper rules and regulations when it comes to whale shark interaction. Those whale sharks are called ‘Butanding’, which belong to the Philippine national icons.
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