More projects eyed for Cebu’s tourism spots

CEBU, Philippines - More initiatives are being undertaken to improve the eco-tourism sites in the province, which has already been widely-recognized by local and foreign tourists in the past years.

Provincial tourism officer Grace Paulino told The FREEMAN over the phone that they continue to discover and develop more tourist destinations in the province.

She said the province is assessing potential ecotourism sites and determine how the province can help, including in infrastructure and development projects.

Paulino mentioned the newly developed five-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan, southern Cebu. She said the province, in partnership with the local government, developed the area by putting up facilities for the visitors.

With more tourist destinations to choose from, Paulino is hoping that more visitors would be enticed to visit Cebu, including backpackers.

National Geographic recently listed Cebu, along with eight other areas in the world, as among the best destinations to visit for backpackers.

The other places Nat Geo recommended this year include Eastern Europe (Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia); Zimbabwe; Turkey; Australia and New Zealand; Vietnam; Iceland; Colombia and Ecuador.

The website recognized Cebu’s easy access for backpackers.

“Philippine Airlines recently gained approval for direct flights to Europe, Australia, and the United States from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila which is connected to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport by dozens of daily flights. Passenger and vehicle ferries also run between Cebu and other major islands,” it says.

It also mentioned Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu, which is known for its sought-after diving sites.

In a separate interview, Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro said more projects are slated for Ma-lapascua Island, including the ongoing roll-on/ roll-off port project in the town.

He said the project, which is funded by the national government though the Cebu Port Authority, is expected to provide easy access from mainland Daanbantayan to Malapascua Island once completed.

Around P30 million was earmarked for the project, he added.

Further, solar lamps will soon be installed in Malapascua Island to power streetlights.

“This will ensure the safety sa atong mga turista kung gabii,” Corro said.

A five-kilometer circumferential road will also be established in the island.

The road project, which cost P3.9 million, is a component of the revised Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Plan (MIEDP).

Daanbantayan officials have been pushing for the implementation of the development plan, which aims to develop Malapascua Island into a world class tourist destination.

The multi-purpose building will house the island’s police outpost, health center and tourist assistance office, among others. — (FREEMAN)