Towns focus on attractions to hike tourism revenues

CEBU, Philippines - Three local government units in Cebu are strengthening their various tourist attractions in their respective towns in a bid to improve the lives of their constituents and contribute to Cebu province’s progress in general.

During yesterday's Kapihan sa PIA forum, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho said that the P22 billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway or Cebu's third bridge will have its groundbreaking on March 2 with or without President Rodrigo Duterte attending.

She, however, said that Duterte promised to attend but still it would depend upon his schedule.

Cho said they foresee that the bridge, when finished, would further boost tourism not only in her town but in the entire province. The bridge is expected to be completed in three years.

She said that after the bridge’s completion, an SM mall would soon rise in her town, making Cordova an attraction in addition to the now famous 10,000 Roses Café, which has an average of 1,000 visitors a day.

Cho said the 10,000 Roses is originally dedicated to his father, former Cordova mayor Adelino Sitoy, for his effort in the proposed construction of the third bridge.

Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, on the other hand, said he was happy to announce that "Kape sa Tuburan" is now gaining popularity and in fact would soon be used by Coffee Dream, of the Cebu's famous coffee shops.

Diamante said that their coffee plantation now covers 2,850 hectares spanning 16 barangays, benefitting 900 farmers.

Diamante, who is also the president of the League of Municipalities-Cebu Province, appealed for Cebuanos to patronize their product. He also said that aside from coffee, Tuburan also have beautiful beaches for tourists to enjoy.

Oslob Information Officer Roger Cerna, on the other hand, invited everyone to come to their town and enjoy the various beautiful and safe tourist attractions, which includes “Butanding Watching.”

Cerna said Oslob tourism office’s income increased to P103 million in 2016 compared to P43 million in 2015, which is an indication that despite the hoax terrorism issue last year, tourists continue to visit the heritage town.

“Adto ta sa Oslob. It's beautiful and its safe,” said Cerna. (FREEMAN)