By Kuku Samson
In 2012, the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan gained global recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The honor has brought immense attention and tourism to the area. Likewise, it also sparked a conversation about the need to balance conservation with the demands of visitors. Director Dante Nico Garcia, a supporter of the arts and environmental preservation, found himself at a crossroad.
Dante's dream was not just about showcasing the beauty of the underground river but also about giving it the opportunity to rest. He envisioned an art center near the river, a space where creativity and nature could coexist harmoniously. However, his efforts were initially overshadowed by the frenzy of tourist activities focused solely on the underground river experience.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Dante proposed a groundbreaking idea to the local government: to temporarily close the underground river to visitors for several days, allowing the ecosystem within the cave, home to swiftlets and bats, to recover from human activities. With the support of Elizabeth Maclang, the Superintendent of Puerto Princesa Underground River since 2011, Dante's vision took off.
The first step was to buy out all the tickets to the underground river, effectively closing it for a brief period. Although initially faced with challenges in raising funds for this ambitious endeavor, Dante's determination caught the attention of the mayor of Puerto Princesa, who provided the necessary support to make it happen.
The culmination of these efforts led to the establishment of the "Let The River Rest International New Media Convergence" in 2015, a three-day festival celebrating art, conservation, and sustainable tourism. International performers graced the event, highlighting the global significance of preserving such natural wonder.
Subsequent years saw the continuation of this initiative, with the Protected Area Management Board of Palawan officially endorsing the practice of letting the river rest annually. However, the onset of the pandemic disrupted these plans.
The Revival
Dante is now gearing up to bring back the movement with a three-day event (July 1-3,2024) at Sabang Beach in Palawan. This event aims not only to raise awareness but also to gain support from individuals and organizations with the same objective. His foundation, Lyrics and Sheets, is spearheading these efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-sustainability in conservation initiative. The festival will serve as a prelude to the goal of the underground river being able to rest again for three days in 2025.
The upcoming festival will feature a range of activities, including the streaming of Dante's acclaimed film "Ploning" by the beach and the unveiling of new artistic projects.
"Our goal is not just to stage events but to launch a movement towards responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Letting the river rest is not a temporary fix; it's a commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come," the director voiced.
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