Gov urged: Implement tourism plan in island

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of Barangay Logon, known popularly as Malapascua Island, in Daanbantayan town, are asking Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to implement the eco-tourism development plan that has been stalled for several years.

 Led by Barangay Captain Rex Novabos, the officials asked Davide to implement at least the components of the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Plan (MIEDP).

These include the construction of the barangay port or wharf, circumferential road, police headquarters and police outpost in the island.

 The officials said implementation is “necessary for the development of Malapascua Island into a world class tourist destination.”

 The Municipal Council led by Vice Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. endorsed the request of the barangay to the governor.

 The barangay council also asked the town’s former mayor, Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura, to donate P140,000 for the purchase of a steel cabinet and for the construction of a community stage in Sitios Guimbitayan, Indonacion and Tawigan.

The MIEDP was crafted in 2002 during the term of former governor Pablo Garcia.

 The present administration is interested to implement the MIEDP after Capitol officials led by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who heads the PB committee on tourism visited the island last April.

 The officials visited Malapascua Island following the death of a Briton, who was shot by a dive shop’s security guard.

 Magpale said among the measures that would be implemented is the “tourist police substation,” which is part of MIEDP.

 During their visit, Magpale said only one policeman was assigned in the area and does not have a permanent place to stay in.

 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. (FREEMAN)