Loot lays out plans for Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan mayor-elect Vicente "Vic" Loot is eyeing an eight-hectare reclamation project at the back of the Municipal Hall as part of the long term plans of his administration.

Loot said a developer, who is willing to fund the project under a build-operate-transfer scheme, has already been tapped.

Once completed, a board walk, a sunset boulevard will be constructed to highlight the famous Daanbantayan sunset, he said.

This project would complement Loot's plan for tourism through aggressive promotion of Malapascua Island as a diving destination.

The plan would be in coordination with an organized business community in the island, Department of Tourism, and the Association of Travel Agencies and Hotels.

Loot said tourism support facilities and services shall be adequately provided in coordination with concerned national government agencies.

He will also undertake the completion of the circumferential road around Malapascua Island and develop and provide a source of potable fresh water, including in Carnaza Island.

Loot said he will develop new tourism products such as agri-eco development and extreme eco-adventure sites. The mayor said he will also develop Lake Lanao and camp sites to provide an all-in-one tourism package.

His midterm plan includes the development of the existing unfinished fish port undertaken during the incumbency of his wife, former mayor Maria Luisa Loot, located in Sitio Baybayan, Poblacion.

It will serve as an alternate port and will open a gateway to trade and commerce between Daanbantayan and Bantayan Island residents.

Other infrastructure projects Loot is eyeing is the prioritization of the completion of the Maya roll-on/roll-off port, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon and the provincial government.

He said he will also construct a docking facility or pier in Mala-pascua Island for pump boats or smaller seacrafts serving tourists.

Loot also disclosed plans to develop the old market beside the skating rink into a food and entertainment center, which will highlight weekend activities to entice local tourists from adjacent municipalities, and spur econo-mic activity for local and micro businesses.

He added that the Haladaya Festival, which made Daanbantayan famous, will be reinvented, revitalized and aggressively promoted.  (FREEMAN)