Bantayan Is. eyed as tourism hub

CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is eyeing Bantayan Island in northern Cebu to become a tourism center in the country.

Aquino made his first visit to the island yesterday to personally assess the damages left by super typhoon Yolanda.

The president told the local officials and the residents in the area that he is impressed to see the island and even described it to be better and bigger than Boracay Island in Panay.

“Ito ang dapat tulungan na maging tourism center,” Aquino said.

Aquino asked fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Governor Hilario Davide, and the mayors of the three municipalities of Bantayan Island to help each other.

Among the components Aquino cited to improve tourism in Bantayan Island is the development of existing airport and seaport in the town of Santa Fe. Aquino said these have to be studied in order to come up with a plan.

Aquino landed in Santa Fe Airport at past 12 noon yesterday where he was greeted by Mayors Ian Christopher Escario of Bantayan, Jose Esgana of Santa Fe, Salvador dela Fuente of Madridejos and Vice Mayor Chad Kenneth Cañares of Bantayan.

Upon arrival, Aquino inspected the typhoon-devastated Bantayan Public Market.

Aquino assured to restore the market to a better condition. He also announced the amount of P191 million to rehabilitate school buildings in Bantayan Island.

“Kailangang maibalik kayo sa lalong madaling panahon hindi sa dati pero sa mas mabuting kondisyon,” he said.

Salimbangon reported that there are around 14,000 boats needed for the livelihood of the displaced fisherfolk in the island of which 20 percent was provided by different non-government organizations.

 The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture has reported that there are 449 fisherfolk already received the materials needed to make a boat amounting to P1.8 million.

 There are 50 newly built pump boats with 5.5 horsepower engines with initial three liters of gasoline are set for distribution. Each boat costs P15,000.

There are also 50 units of repaired fishing boats to be distributed with P1,500 cash-for-work incentives per beneficiary.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala assured that more pump boats and fishing gears to come in Bantayan Island.

Aquino also assured of hog dispersal, goat and carabao distribution.

“Mas maayo man gyud mabatyagan niya ang pangihanglan ug ang kainit intawn sa paghangyo sa mga tawo,” Salimbangon said.

Salimbangon expressed no doubt about the assurance given by Aquino to the people in his district particularly Bantayan Island.

“Ako lang gihangyo ang mga tawo nga gamay lang nga pailob tungod kay dili man ni madali gyud ang pag release sa budget but we are assured by the president himself,” Salimbangon added.—(FREEMAN)