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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Friday, November 10, 2017
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ILOILO City – The island province of Guimaras dreams of becoming the agri-ecotourism capital of Western Visayas.
The province’s resources are now focused on capital expenditures that support its tourism and agriculture industries, and improve access to basic services, according to Gov. Samuel Gumarin who delivered his annual State of the Province Address on Wednesday.
But also among his priorities are the improvements to the transport system (internal circulation and external linkages), water supply, and health, education and employment facilities and services.
“Proper protection and management of the island’s ecosystem is likewise a priority through integrated coastal management or the ridge-to-reef approach,” said Gumarin.
To address potential biophysical and socioeconomic impacts of fresh water table reduction and salt water intrusion, the province is making use of rainwater harvesting or impounding structures along with alternative technologies in solid waste management, he added.
Gumarin reported that the province’s tourism industry had a remarkable upturn in the past year. Tourist arrivals almost doubled – from 417,869 in 2015 to 621,172 in 2016 or a 48.6 percent increase.
“This increase resulted to a 13.2 percent growth in tourism receipts – from P1.7 million in 2015 to P1.9 million in 2016,” said Gumarin.
Accommodation establishments recorded a 13.67 percent increase in clients (both domestic and foreign) – from 94,315 in 2015 to 107,214 2016.
Tourist arrivals during the Manggahan Festival from May 11 to 22 of every year almost doubled also – from 27,200 in 2015 to 52,873 in 2016 or a 95 percent increase.
“The total tourism receipts during Manggahan Festival substantially rocketed to 114 percent – from P26.4 million in 2016 to P56.4 million this year,” said Gumarin.
Boosting local tourism were 19 road projects going to tourist destinations, according to the governor, the P2.5-million “display center” in San Lorenzo town and a P9-million multipurpose center with viewing deck.
San Lorenzo hosts a “wind farm” where giant windmills generate renewable energy. They attract tourists, too.
Another boost to Guimaras’ tourism was the Intellectual Property Office’s approval of the “Guimaras mango” geographical branding to further promote the island’s No. 1 produce that is known worldwide for it sweetness.
Citing National Competitiveness Council data, Gumarin said Guimaras improved in economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency, thus climbing to No. 27 this year in the competitive index – a significant rise from its No. 52 rank in 2016./PN
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