Dolphin and Whale Watching in Baclayon
Livelihood that has turned around the cruel industry of whaling is practiced in Baclayon, Bohol -- that of dolphin and whale watching. As any form of traditional livelihood, whaling (which includes hunting sharks, manta rays and dolphins) met a lot of resistance from those whose livelihoods depended on it and threats to conservationists. Eventually, those who resisted saw the benefits of letting the animals thrive: whale watching avoids the risk of extinction for intelligent animals and allows the natural evolutionary process to take place. Besides, dolphin and whale watching is a more sustainable business model.
About an hour away from the Municipality of Baclayon is its island barangay called Pamilacan -- meaning "resting place of the mantas." The island is endowed with white sand beaches (as can be noticed in the photo above). It also has a miniscule marine sanctuary which forms part of a large reef area (about 180 ha). Since there is a marine sanctuary, it can be expected that there are various living hard corals as well as the reef's inhabitants. However, the reef area is not able to maximize yield in terms of fish because of plastics and other trash and bleaching. Nevertheless, the areas surrounding Pamilacan Island make for a good snorkeling and diving site.
Reflection of Bohol's Past
Parts of Baclayon have retained remnants of its past. One such hard-to -miss structure is the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church, more commonly called the Baclayon Church. This church has been declared a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark. It was completed in the 18th century under the supervision of the Jesuits. As with several churches built in the Philippines under Spanish rule, Baclayon Church is made of coral stones with painted ceilings and three retablos with sculptures of the saints and, of course, the Holy Trinity. The church also has a museum located on the left side, if facing the sea.
Baclayon also has several heritage houses which may be availed of for homestays. Several of these ancestral houses belong to the Baclayon Ancestral Homes Association (BAHANDI). It started because of a provincial government plan to widen roads and thereby result to the demolition of these houses. The fees paid for homestays go to the preservation of the house as well as food for the guests. One such house is Balay Kahayag which also functions as a training and retreat center. Other houses that are part of the BAHANDI group include the Malon, Caballo, Villamor, Cahambing, Ginete Houses and many others.
Baclayon also has several heritage houses which may be availed of for homestays. Several of these ancestral houses belong to the Baclayon Ancestral Homes Association (BAHANDI). It started because of a provincial government plan to widen roads and thereby result to the demolition of these houses. The fees paid for homestays go to the preservation of the house as well as food for the guests. One such house is Balay Kahayag which also functions as a training and retreat center. Other houses that are part of the BAHANDI group include the Malon, Caballo, Villamor, Cahambing, Ginete Houses and many others.