Garcia, Loot meet, discuss Malapascua ecotourism dev’t

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa met Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday at the Capitol but instead of discussing her intention for the municipal government to take control of Malapascua Island, they discussed the implementation of the Malapascua Island Ecotourism Development Plan (MIEDP).

To recall, the plan was stalled for several years when their relationship turned sour after the 2010 elections.

Just recently, the rift was patched up by their common friend, Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, who brought Garcia last August 30 to grace the Haladaya Festival in Daanbantayan where the governor and Loot emotionally hugged and kissed each other in public.

Garcia is set to visit Malapascua Island on Monday to review the status of MIEDP that was drafted since 2002.

Garcia will also inspect the status of the unfinished roll-on/roll-off port in barangay Maya.

“Mao na nga iya tan-awon didto nga mapahuman jud niya, (She will go there to see how she could finish it.)” Loot told reporters after the meeting.

Another port in Malapascua Island will be constructed which Loot wants to manage for additional income of the local government.

“Depende na ni, amo nang tiwason ang maong plano i’g toa nami didto sa Malapascua, sa site, (It depends, we will just finish our plans when we are already at the site in Malapascua.)” Loot said.

Loot said she will also raise the issue of taking over Malapascua Island as manifested through a resolution passed by the municipal council earlier this year.

The resolution was passed before Garcia and Loot was reconciled when the latter accused that the projects which the Capitol have been announcing were just word of mouth.

The resolution was reviewed by the Provincial Board which showed it was leaning in favor of the request of Daanbantayan municipal council for the town to resume its role as the lead agency that would manage and administer the MIEDP.

Through the recommendation of the committee on tourism chaired by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, the PB encouraged the revision of a Memorandum of Agreement.

The original MOA was crafted in 2003 during the term of then governor Pablo Garcia which defined the role of Daanbantayan as lead agency.

The MOA was amended in 2006 placing the office of the governor in charge, citing reasons including the lack of personnel and resources in the town.

Loot is now back with Garcia’s camp and is supporting One Cebu candidates in the 2013 elections despite being a member of the Nacionalista Party.—(FREEMAN)