NEWSFLASH

ECO-TOURISM FINDS ALLY IN CONGRESS

Batasang Pambansa, June 15, 2000 - The House tourism committee is favorably considering an additional P1 billion for tourism development, an endeavor considered integral in the economic development of any country.

Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo, chairperson of the tourism committee, asked PTA general manager Lito Banayo to present the priority projects in eight anchor destinations to convince Congress to approve the additional budget. These areas are Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Metro Manila, Davao, Ilocos-Vigan area, Baguio-Banaue area and Southern Tagalog.

In the island-paradise of Boracay, the PTA is undertaking the Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Projects (BEIP) with the help of the Japanese government.

Under the BEIP, the PTA will be installing submarine pipelines to transport potable water to Boracay Island from the municipality of Malay on the main island of Panay.

To prevent the recurrence of coliform infestation that struck Boracay a few years back, the PTA has set up submarine outfall pipes that would discharge the island’s treated waste water several miles away into the Sibuyan Sea.

In Cebu, restoration would be done in the city's old district, including Colon, the country's oldest street, Magellan's Cross and the environs of Santuario de Sto. Niño de Cebu.

In Bohol, the PTA has been actively supporting efforts to protect the Tarsier with the implementation of the Tarsier Sanctuary Project.

In Metro Manila, apart from the Luneta Boardwalk project, the PTA is sprucing up the Luneta or the People's Park with better lighting and landscaping.

In Davao, the PTA recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government of Davao Del Norte for the completion of a P62-million road and water system for the Samal Island Tourism Estate.

In the Ilocos-Vigan area, the development of the Pagudpud-Bangui area and mountain ranges is being studied together.

In the Baguio-Banaue area, the country's summer capital, the PTA has given the local government P10 million in funding support annually for the maintenance of Burnham Park although administration of the park has been transferred to the Baguio local government.

The PTA has existing hotels and facilities in the Mountain Province area: the Banaue Hotel, Youth Hotel and the Mt. Data Hotel.

In the Southern Tagalog corridor, the PTA is studying the development of the Western Batangas Seaside area but this is contingent on future development plans of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The project is also expected to liven up tourism in the area and rehabilitate the once famous Matabungkay Beach.