Teodoro to prioritize Bantayan's tourism

CEBU, Philippines - If given the chance to lead the country, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said he will prioritize the promotion of tourism in the country and it will start in the whole island of Bantayan in Cebu.

Speaking before thousands of residents from the towns of Santa Fe., Madridejos and Bantayan at the Bantayan Cultural Center, Teodoro said he intends to make the country a tourist destination in Asia.

“I will work for the promotion of tourism and it will start in Bantayan Island as primary tourist destination in Asia,” he stressed.

Teodoro, who has already publicly admitted his plan to run as president in the 2010 elections, was in town yesterday to check on the typhoon victim in Bantayan and personally distribute goods as assistance to the affected residents.

Teodoro said his last visit to the place was during his term as congressman and he personally witnessed its big potential for tourism development.

He lauded the leadership of Bantayan Mayor Geralyn Escario who worked hard for the promotion and development of tourism in her town.

The Defense chief also credited the cooperation and support of the business and private sector to the government.

According to Teodoro, he already personally discussed the plan with Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and they agreed to work with each other for the continuing promotion of tourism in the country especially in Cebu.

Teodoro said he fully support the plans and programs of Durano in the promotion of the country’s tourism sector.

However, he said that to achieve these goals, there is a need to prepare the town of Bantayan and neighboring barangays first by improving the delivery of basic services.

Thousands of tourists are visiting Bantayan Island every year, especially during Holy Week.

Teodoro cited the airport in Barangay Pooc of Santa Fe town that needs immediate development.

According to him, the development of the airport in the island is important as this facility is needed for tourism and economic development.  

Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon told Teodoro that the airport located in the island will be used as alternate airport of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Salimbangon said that during emergency and natural disasters, the Bantayan airport is important for relief and rescue operations.

The congressman said the airport’s 900-meter runway should be extended and the facility should be improved for better services.

Salimbangon said the development of tourism in the whole island of Bantayan will provide employment and other benefits to the people.

“Nakita nato nga mao kini ang usa sa mga pamaagi nga makahatag og kalamboan sa tibuok isla sa Bantayan,” he emphasized.

Bantayan Mayor Geralyn Escario told The FREEMAN that she and the other mayors of the towns in Bantayan Island are working for the development of tourism in the whole island.

 She hopes that Teodoro’s plans will be realized soon, saying the island has a very big potential in terms of tourism. — Jose P. Sollano/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)