TACLOBAN CITY — Stepping up efforts to reclaim its marine heritage and boost local revenues, the municipal government of Tabango, Leyte is aggressively positioning Kimud Shoal as the crown jewel of its town tourism identity.
Reclaiming Identity and Tourism Revenue
Mayor Ma. Corazon Remandaban announced Wednesday that Tabango is working to correct the longstanding perception that Kimud Shoal is primarily linked to Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu:
Establishing Local Ownership: While dive shops based in Malapascua have historically driven tourism and collected environmental fees for Daanbantayan, Tabango is asserting its jurisdiction over the shoal to direct tourism revenues back to Leyte.
Port Infrastructure Upgrades: The local government unit (LGU) is coordinating with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to improve Tabango's port facilities, enabling larger tourist vessels to dock directly in the municipality.
Malapascua Operator Collaboration: Tabango continues to engage with Cebu-based dive operators to build cooperative frameworks while promoting direct travel routes from the Leyte mainland.
Marine Protection for Thresher Shark Sanctuaries
Kimud Shoal is internationally renowned as a key cleaning station for thresher sharks—recognizable by long tails that comprise nearly half their body length—where small fish clean parasites from their bodies.
To preserve this delicate marine ecosystem, Tabango formally designated Kimud Shoal as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on February 6, 2026. The LGU established the Kimud Shoal Operations Unit and deployed dedicated patrol craft—including a motorized banca mother ship, dinghy, and speedboat—to enforce conservation laws and monitor diving activities.
