CEBU CITY – Following its promotion of the Philippines as a bird- watching center in Asia, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is now bent on supporting kayaking to enhance linkages among the country’s provinces.

“The Philippines is an archipelago composed of several thousands of islands and kayak trails are one way by which the thousands of islands around the country may be explored,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who added that the kayak came to mind in continuing DoT’s Adventure Philippines campaign all year round.

Durano said kayaking, other than being an environment-friendly activity, complements well other adventure or eco-tourism activities as diving, spelunking, and bird watching.

In a bid to support DoT’s promotion of the Philippines as a kayaking destination, organizers will hold the third leg of the Philippine Kayaking race series from Cebu to Bohol on December 4 to 6.

Said third leg, to be called Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol Crossing, will include the holding of a 125-kilometer kayak marathon, clinics, 5-kilometer novice races, eco-touring flotilla, island hopping, moonlight paddling, and eco-tour packages.

Organizer Didi Camara said they are expecting some 100 participants in the three-day event that will start in Mactan Island, Cebu, moving on to Bohol’s Panglao Island.

Participants will include those coming from such local communities in Cebu as Moalboal, Daanbantayan, Borbon, Aloguinsan, and Camotes Island.