EDITORIAL

Aklan A ‘Billionaire’ In 2013: Marquez

by RECTO I. VIDAL

It is estimated that the revenue that can be generated by Aklan from its 5-year development program, from 2009 will reach 280 million pesos per annum by 2013, thus making Aklan a billionaire province, by that time.

This bright projection was expressed by Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last week where he forecasted that the province’s premier tourist destination will reach one million in tourist arrivals by 2010.

"But we can hardly accommodate the present influx of around 600,000 local and foreign tourists. The existing pier is undersized, and does not conform to international standard. It is over its maximum operating capacity due to the large number of foreign visitors," the governor said in his SOPA which lasted for more than an hour.

Clad in a resplendent barong made of cotton piña, Marquez stressed that the pier should be a major artery in the Roll On Roll Off (RORO) route. But with the present set-up, it is incapable of servicing additional sea vessels.

"However small and over-utilized this jetty port is, it still manages to provide annual revenues to the province in the amount of P77 million. The sheer number of users alone, not including the potential increase in revenues, should be the stimulus for the local government to build bigger and better harbor facilities," the governor enthused in his 40 page SOPA.

Marquez pointed out that Health and Wellness Center is a welcome complement to the government’s thrust in attracting 700,000 foreign and medical clients annually which he hopes to achieve P! billion in revenues.
"This is a new market apart from the recreational tourists who visit Boracay on a regular basis. With this deve-lopment, the province will be attracting two distinct markets of equal number and value in the same location," the governor averred.

Marquez told the audience that the "cable car facilities will not only enhance the transport system but will also be a tourist destination in itself attracting tourists from all over the archipelago and nearby Asian countries.

"On the other hand, the Marina project is estimated to cost P500 million and will involve land rec-lamation, pier expan-sion, building a 100-room hotel and wellness center. The cable car transport system will be undertaken on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis," the governor bared.

Marquez disclosed that for "every P1 million spent on this project, usually 30 percent go to labor cost. This will significantly help provide job opportunities for the locals and pump prime the local economy. The improved pier facilities will accommodate a bigger volume of land and sea vessels and provide docks for visiting yachts."

The governor revealed that "this will greatly increase the terminal fee revenues from the present level of P77 million per year and the upgraded and new facilities will also enhance the competitiveness of the area in attracting tourists.

To Marquez, the wellness center will complement the hotel facilities considering that Aklan is known for its warm hospitality, state-of-the-art medical wellness facilities, management expertise and excellent care-giving services.

"Numerous wellness centers have sprouted all over the Philippines in recent years including those in Subic and Clark. Developing such a facility in Aklan will further boost its tourism figures by providing visitors with a rare opportunity of recreation and medical wellness. It is expected that the revenues that will be generated by building facilities will far outweigh the investment costs for these projects. It is envisioned that the provincial government will provide the facilities to be operated and managed by the private sector on a lease contract agreement," the governor explained.

It seems the program is well address to visitors. It is expected, however, that Aklan’s program is first designed for Aklanons, first for Aklanons and first for Aklanons, and second for others. /MP