Malapascua Island Capitol keen on dev’t plans

CEBU, Philippines - The present administration of the Province of Cebu is eager on pursuing the implementation of the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Plan.

The members of the committee on tourism of the Provincial Board chaired by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale visited the place last week following the death of a Briton who was shot by a dive shop’s security guard.

Magpale yesterday said among the measures to be implemented is the setting up of a “tourist police substation” which is part of the MIEDP crafted during the time of former governor Pablo Garcia in 2002.

She said they are requesting the Cebu Provincial Police Office to deploy at least four tourist policemen.

During their visit, Magpale said only one policeman was assigned in the area and without having a permanent place to stay.

“Ang headquarters gyud. I told the Governor kinahanglan dunay sleeping quarters, banyo. Right now looy kaayong polis bisan asa lang higda,” Magpale said.

In the meantime, PB Member Celestino Martinez III offered to provide an outpost near the Fish Buddies Dive Shop where Anthony Gilchrist was shot dead on Black Saturday.

Magpale said they want to do it as soon as possible.

Magpale said the issues on a circumferential road and noisy motorcycles were also brought up during the consultation.

The problems and concerns in Malapascua Island were already identified in the MIEDP.

Magpale said this is just the start of the implementation of MIEDP that was halted in the past years. — (FREEMAN)