The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward for more support from Local Government Units (LGUs) to highlight the potentials of their respective community–based ecotourism (CBET) projects.
To recall, eight municipalities in Panay Island were selected as pilot areas for the CBET which earned support from the Local Government Support Program (LGSP) in 2003.
Dubbed as "Ocho-Ocho" Econ Tour the destinations covered the municipalities of Pandan, Antique and Malay and Nabas, Aklan under the Northwest Panay circuit; Tangalan and Kalibo towns in Aklan for the North Panay and towns of San Joaquin, Ajuy and Concepcion for the Iloilo circuit.
While several of the destinations continue to draw tourists, others need to be revived.
DOT regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said "these destinations and their potentials are still there, except that they were not high-lighted because they no longer have the support of LGU".
He also said that the Department of Tourism has been including the areas in its packages of promotions and recommended them to tour operators likewise to the Philippine Tour Operators Association.
Meanwhile, another destination that is expected to make an impact in the tourism industry of Western Visayas is the opening of what has been dubbed as the biggest zoo in Asia situated in Guimaras province. "It’s a work in progress, the owner is not in a hurry to open," he said.
SMC Helps Aklan Promote Tourism
The Aklan provincial government through the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, cited San Miguel Corporation for its role in pushing for the progress of the province, especially in the field of tourism.
Foremost among SMC’s contribution is the billion peso investment in the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Caticlan Airport in Malay. It is now also considering investing in other potential tourists destinations in the province.
Vicky Ramos-Antonino of the Aklan provincial tourism council said that SMC is very supportive of local entrepreneurs in Aklan.
"The company has provided us fund for the establishment of a showcase area for Aklan products at the second floor of the Kalibo International Airport. Local entrepreneurs could now showcase their products for tourists ensuring them of cheaper prices but high quality because the items are sold by producers themselves," Antonino said.
The showcase is also in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Hugod Akeanon, among others.
"It is but rightful that we start seeing the San Miguel Corporation as partner of the province for our tourism development," Antonino added.(PNA)/MP
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