ILOILO CITY — Antique has launched Western Visayas’ first whale shark watching destination in the coastal town of Libertad, aiming to promote sustainable tourism while protecting one of the region’s most iconic marine species.

The eco-tourism site in Sitio Idiayan, Barangay Barusbus was formally opened on July 16 through a partnership between the Municipal Government of Libertad and Korean firm JKLAU Corporation. It marks the town’s first collaboration with a foreign investor.

Libertad Vice Mayor Mary Jean Nicopior-Te said the project is the result of years of protecting the municipality’s marine ecosystem, which has become a natural habitat for whale sharks, locally known as butanding.

She said the local government opted for a regulated tourism program instead of allowing unregulated visits after frequent whale shark sightings near otoshi-ami fishing grounds.

“Whale sharks are wild giants. They cannot be controlled or confined. Their continued presence depends on a healthy marine ecosystem, which is why tourism activities must be sustainable and compliant with environmental laws,” Nicopior-Te said.

Visitors may encounter one to seven whale sharks during early morning boat trips beginning at 5 a.m., although officials stressed that sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals roam freely and are influenced by weather and sea conditions.

To ensure the species’ protection, the municipal government is working with marine biologists and fisheries experts to study the whale sharks’ habitat, migration patterns and population. Libertad is also benchmarking its operations against established whale shark destinations, including Oslob, Cebu, while observing national environmental regulations.

Mayor Maribeth Nicopior-La Serna said the attraction is expected to create jobs for boat operators, tour guides, paddlers and other tourism workers while encouraging investments in hotels, restaurants, transportation and related businesses.

The town aims to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors daily as it expands its tourism offerings to include snorkeling, scuba diving and island-hopping.