SUMILON ISLAND A WORLD-CLASS RESORT SOON
Oslob, Cebu, Oct. 27, 1997 - Sumilon Island will be developed into an ecologically balanced tourist destination. This was announced by the municipal council of Oslob and town Mayor Emiliano Abines, who have agreed to a partnership with a successful resort operator and builder.
Sumilon's fate will lie in the hands of Arcadio Alegrado, owner of the popular five-star Maribago Bluewater beach resort in Mactan Island. Alegrado is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Mayor Abines to formalize the arrangements.
Sumilon and Oslob residents are awaiting clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, because the island has been classified as a municipal tree park. Before it's recent classification, it was a marine reserve under the stewardship of Siliman University. It also used to be operated as an extension facility of Green Island, a beach resort based in Badian, Cebu.
Local residents expect to benefit from the new plans in terms of livelihood and job opportunities. Mayor Abines promised to push for the hiring of local workers in the construction and operation of the planned resort.
Alegrado has earmarked at least P50 million for the project, which will avoid the Boracay- coliform disaster with careful environmentally-sound disposal of solid and liquid wastes.
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