Tumalog Falls in Oslob to temporarily close due to low water flow

Local

ONE of the well-known waterfalls in southern Cebu will be temporarily closed to visitors starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, due to low water flow.

In an advisory, the Municipality of Oslob, through its tourism office, announced the impending temporary closure of Tumalog Falls until further notice due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Oslob Tourism Officer Elsie Ronolo said the temporary closure is intended to ensure visitors’ safety and protect the natural environment amid the threat of a Super El Niño.

Ronolo said they had observed minimal water flow at the falls over the past few days.

“Gamay ra gyud kaayo siya ang water, unya maikog sad mi mocater og mga guest, inig abot nila didto, kana gani gamay na lang gyud kaayo ang tubig didto, madismaya sila ba. Ang service ang among giuna og provide nila ba, unya maikog mi sa ilaha unya inig-arrive nila didto, mao nay makita nila,” Ronolo told MyTV Cebu in a phone interview.

She added that the decision was made by the mayor in coordination with the tourism office.

Ronolo said the effects of El Niño have also affected the town’s water supply, which is now below its normal level compared with previous years.

Meanwhile, tourism activities in other areas, including Barangay Tan-awan, where the popular whale shark-watching attraction is located, and Sumilon Island, continue to operate.

Tumalog Falls is one of Oslob’s popular tourist destinations, welcoming around 600 visitors daily. The entrance fee is ₱50 for regular visitors, while senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to a 20% discount.

Ronolo said they expect the closure to affect not only the local government unit’s (LGU) income but also the livelihoods of people operating businesses in the area, including store owners and habal-habal drivers.

She said the concern would be discussed with the mayor to determine possible measures to assist affected residents.(MyTVCebu)