BACOLOD: The Department of Tourism-Western Visayas (DOT-6) is gearing up for the staging of the four-leg International Open Water Swim Circuit, which kicks off in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Feb. 18. The event, which is expected to draw some 150 swimmers for the first leg, was launched in a press conference led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, and DOT-6 Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez at the Capitol Provincial Social Hall on Monday. "So far, we're getting good reception. We are excited to be part of this. We will do everything possible to make it successful," Lacson said. Participants will include local and international outdoor sports enthusiasts, open water swimmers and triathletes. "We aim to establish Western Visayas as a leading destination for sports and ecotourism, particularly for open water swimming," Rodriguez said. She added that through the event, the DOT-6 seeks to enhance the human-nature connection through sustainable tourism practices and comm unity-based initiatives, as well as advocate the conversation and management of natural habitats to preserve the region's ecological integrity. In Sipalay City, the race venue will be at Campomanes-Ballo Marine Reserve and Sanctuary, a marine protected area. The second leg will be held in Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo on April 14; the third leg in Taklong Island in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras on June 30; and the last will be in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan on Sept. 22. Source: Philippines News Agency
