TIEZA to craft masterplans for island destinations

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is eyeing to craft masterplans for a number of island destinations in the country, in line with the government’s push for sustainable tourism.

In a chance interview, TIEZA chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas told The STAR they are currently working on masterplans of some tourist destinations in the country.

“We’re doing Siargao. Then we’re doing the one in Leyte. The three new ones, top of my head, we’re looking at Siquijor, Camotes and Bantayan,” Paragas said.

Paragas said it would take roughly 18 months to finish masterplanning a destination, depending on the components and the extent of the masterplan.

“From there, you should be able to see the direction of what needs to be done,” Paragas said.

TIEZA earlier said it is working on the masterplan of Corregidor Island as it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Corregidor Foundation Inc.(CFI).

It is eyeing to develop the 546-hectare island of Corregidor into a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) due to its historical value and potentials for tourism.

This involves the formulation of a comprehensive masterplan for the redevelopment of Corregidor Island and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier.

TIEZA shall be responsible for the development of the island’s potential as an international and local tourist destination, as well as the maintenance and preservation of war relics on the island.

Flagship TEZs are properties that have been identified and masterplanned by the TIEZA. The agency is also responsible for jumpstarting the development of the TEZ by providing necessary infrastructure such as power and water.

At present, there are five flagship TEZs across the country. These are the 883.11-hectare Long Beach area of San Vicente, Palawan; the Rizal Park Complex in Manila; Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan; Panglao Bay Premiere in Bohol; and Bucas Grande in Surigao del Norte.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) earlier said it is eyeing to lure more tourists to visit Corregidor Island through an updated branding campaign.

“This is expected to increase awareness of the destination among international and domestic travelers, and draw more arrivals to Corregidor Island in the coming months,” the TPB said.