Assessment of the ecotourism and livelihood potentials of Sayahan waterfall in Barangay Gaas, Ormoc city, Philippines

Abstract

Ecotourism and livelihood potentials of Sayahan falls in Ormoc, Philippines were gathered through onsite observation and interviewing of respondents. Forty (40%) percent of the informants were aged 31-40, married (55%), high schoolers (55%), males (90%), local residents (70%), and whose primary source of income is farming (90%). The falls has a moderately dense background forest and reachable by trekking in about 45-60 minutes. The cascading horsetail medium-sized waterfall has a height of around 60 meters. The force of falling water was very strong but its quality was moderately good due to little turbidity. Ecotourism potential revealed a high rating of 2.70 on availability of public transport. The rest of the ecotourism potential criteria (safe to the public, sustainability of tourism activities, travel time to the waterfall, panoramic appeal, and passable pathways) bared moderate potentials of 2.45, 2.35, 2.30, 2.15, and 1.55 rating, respectively. Provision of adequate financial and development support from the GOs and NGOs of Ormoc could help boost the ecotourism potential of Sayahan falls. The assistance could include improving the pathways going to the falls and increasing the density of vegetative cover of the waterfall premises. The livelihood potential of Sayahan falls bared a high potential rating of 2.55. Tour guiding by the locals had a rating of 2.90, peaceful surroundings (2.80), expected number of goers (2.70), fruits and vegetables supply (2.50), and eco-friendly souvenir shops (2.45), sustained tourists visit of 2.35 and accommodation and food (2.15). Though the ecotourism potential of Sayahan falls is moderate, its livelihood potential is high. The elevated altitude of Sayahan falls surroundings is favorable to growing various fruits and vegetables which are saleable to the tourists. Thus, the high livelihood potential of Sayahan falls may be used as a means to transform the area into a full-blown tourist destination.