Group to develop culture of tourism in northern Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Gawad Kalinga Foundation is planning to develop the culture of tourism in typhoon devastated northern Cebu.

Tourism executive, Consul Robert Lim Joseph, said they are eyeing Bantayan Island and Daanbantayan town where Malapascua Island is located for the project.

Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, is also involved in various tourism  groups like the Tourism Educators and Movers, Travel Cooperative of the Philippines, Tourism Committee of the Rotary Club of Manila, Tourism Watch and the League of Tourism Students.

He said during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza recently that they intend to meeting some town and barangay officials after the Holy Week season.

Incidentally, also present during the forum were Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura who is a former mayor of Daanbantayan, Logon (Malapascua Island) Barangay Captain Rex Novabos and other officials.

“In determining the culture of tourism in Daanbantayan, they must go down first from the grassroots which is the respective barangays,” said Joseph.

Shimura assured Joseph of his support for the project.  The GK is planning to buy a 6-hectare land and build a Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Daanbantayan.

Robert added it will be called as “Bayanihan sa Barangay” which would help them to implement a long-term program that would last even if without the support of the GK.— (FREEMAN)