Officials ask capitol: Why is our town excluded in tourism development?

CEBU, Philippines - Expressing disappointment, Barili officials are questioning the Capitol why their municipality is not included in the plan to develop tourism sites and activities in the mid-west part of the province.

The provincial government and local tourism offices concerned are now working on the development plan after Joselito Costas, Capitol consultant for eco-tourism, reported that Midwest Cebu has potential ecotourism sites that have been untapped for years.

These are Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban, Asturias, Tuburan and Tabuelan.

“We are asking him (Costas) and the Provincial Board why in spite of our basis cited in my resolution filed, Barili still is not included in their plan,” said town councilor Rene Alquizola.

Compared with the other local government units mentioned, Barili has its own unique attractions and potentials, Alquizola’s resolution read.

These attractions include the famous Man-tayupan Falls that is simultaneously harnessed to produce electricity and supply irrigation projects; the Bolocboloc Hot Springs; the Mount Salay Hermitage; different beach resorts; the Kang-Undo Caves; the Molave Milk Station and Farm; and the nine barangays already involved in organic farming.

“Have they been to the places I mentioned in my resolution?” asked Alquizola.

He further said the municipality has already its Tourism Code ready for full implementation.

The provincial government hired Costas as consultant on ecotourism and to do the assessment of ecotourism sites in Midwest Cebu.

This is part of Capitol’s initiative to create a community-based eco-tourism project that, according to Costas, emphasizes authenticity, creativity of locals, innovation and stakeholder support.

This ecotourism project covers not only the beautiful sites but as well as the cultural traditions and food.

The possible LGU counterpart would be infrastructure development and participation of stakeholders in terms of food and fare for training participants.—Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (FREEMAN)