Borbon river seen as potential tourism site

CEBU - The Municipality of Borbon has launched a fund-raising campaign to develop the Silmugi River into an eco-tourism site that would attract more tourists to the town.

Borbon Municipal Mayor Bernard “Butch” Sepulveda, honorary chairman of the newly formed Silmugi River Commission, said the river has lots of tourism potential, thus, funds are being generated through the “Peso Para Sa Silmugi River” project.

Sepulveda said that once the river is developed into a tourism destination, it can provide livelihood to small fishermen and residents in different barangays it traverses. The commission wants to open a family park by the river.

The provincial government has also pledged to support to the project. Governor Gwen Garcia, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr. and members of the provincial board were in Borbon last week during the consultative meeting and out-of-town session of the provincial board.

Garcia herself visited the Silmugi River and was convinced that it needs to be developed.

Sepulveda said they will conduct consultation with different stakeholders, as he directed the members of the Silmugi River Commission to come up with a comprehensive master plan for development; a vital component is the improvement of basic services in the area.

“Kon matuman na gayud ang maong proyekto, sayud kita nga daghan na usab ang muduaw sa lungsod sa Borbon, mao nga kinahanglan ato gayud kini nga pangandaman,” Sepulveda said. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (THE FREEMAN)