‘Naglaho sa Lawa,' dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (Full Episode) | I-Witness

Summary

The video script tells the story of the sacred Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, a site revered by the Tagbanwa indigenous people. Once closed to tourists, the lake opened in 2000, attracting global visitors. However, in March, a tragedy struck when two tourists from the Czech Republic drowned while diving. The incident led to safety improvements, such as lifeguards and proper safety measures. Despite the tragedy, the community's commitment to preserving the sacredness of the place and ensuring the safety of visitors remains strong. The video highlights the balance between tourism and environmental preservation in this unique and spiritual location.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, is considered sacred by the Tagbanwa people, and it has been opened to tourists only recently, after centuries of cultural significance.
• 😀 In March, Kayangan Lake was temporarily closed due to an unfortunate drowning incident involving two tourists from the Czech Republic.
• 😀 The lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique diving opportunities, including shipwrecks from WWII.
• 😀 The incident occurred when two tourists, Martin and Jacob, failed to follow proper safety protocols while free diving in Kayangan Lake, leading to their deaths.
• 😀 The locals and government authorities responded quickly to the tragedy, with Arne, a local dive instructor, assisting in the search for the missing tourists.
• 😀 The tragedy highlighted the importance of safety measures for divers, especially for free divers, as the victims did not follow guidelines such as proper fins and surface watch systems.
• 😀 Following the incident, there has been an increased emphasis on safety and environmental protection, with lifeguards and safety protocols now strictly enforced in the area.
• 😀 Kayangan Lake's topography is challenging, with steep slopes and varying depths, making it crucial to understand the underwater terrain when diving.
• 😀 Despite the tragic event, the community's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Coron remains strong, with improvements made in infrastructure to ensure tourist safety.
• 😀 The incident has led to changes in the local community's approach to tourism, emphasizing the responsibility of both locals and tourists to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Q & A

Why did the Tagbanwa people initially restrict access to Kayangan Lake?

The Tagbanwa people believed that an anito (spirit) guarded the lake, and according to their ancient beliefs, visitors had to seek permission from the appointed guardians before entering the lake.

What led to the decision to open Kayangan Lake to tourists?

In the year 2000, the Tagbanwa people decided to open Kayangan Lake to tourists, making it one of the main attractions in Palawan, after recognizing the potential for tourism to boost the local economy.

What significant event occurred in March related to Kayangan Lake?

In March, Kayangan Lake was temporarily closed to visitors following a tragic incident where two tourists drowned after violating safety guidelines during a diving activity.

How is the history of Coron Island related to the local community?

Coron Island is considered sacred by the Tagbanwa people, as it is home to burial grounds of their ancestors. Some areas of the island, such as the burial site with white sand, are not open to tourists to preserve their sacredness.

What was the cause of the tragic incident involving two tourists in Kayangan Lake?

The two tourists drowned due to a lack of proper diving safety measures. They failed to follow the recommended diving procedures, such as using the proper fins and ensuring a 'one down, one up' system while diving.

What did the camera recovered from the incident reveal?

The camera recovered from the lake showed footage of the tourists diving and taking pictures before the incident. The video provided insights into their actions, revealing that they underestimated the depth of the water.

What is shallow blackout, and how is it related to the incident?

Shallow blackout occurs when a diver loses consciousness due to lack of oxygen after diving too deep and failing to resurface in time. This condition is believed to have contributed to the drowning of the two tourists in Kayangan Lake.

What safety measures have been implemented in Kayangan Lake after the tragedy?

After the tragedy, the local government and the Tagbanwa community increased safety measures by assigning lifeguards to monitor tourists, ensuring they follow proper safety protocols and preventing any further incidents.

How does the community of Coron view the relationship between tourism and environmental conservation?

The community of Coron views tourism as an opportunity to showcase their natural beauty while also emphasizing the importance of conservation. They take pride in keeping the area clean and safe for both locals and tourists, aiming to set an example for other destinations.

What lessons were learned from the tragic drowning incident in Kayangan Lake?

The incident highlighted the importance of following safety protocols in diving, such as proper equipment, awareness of the water's depth, and having designated lookout divers. It also underscored the need for clear communication and training for tourists engaging in such activities.