DENR-7 to give P300,000 to Olango group for income diversification program

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is set to give out nearly P300,000  to the Olango Island Eco-Tour Association or OIETA as part of the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project’s financial assistance on enterprise development and income diversification program.

DENR-7 Regional executive director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said the program intends to provide alternative and complementary livelihoods to OIETA as Olango Island is one of the frequently-visited tourism destinations.

“This is a manifestation of maintaining a strong partnership and collaboration between the DENR and the local coastal communities in Region 7 to promote coastal resources management and at the same time provide feasible livelihood opportunities to the group,” said Montejo.

Montejo said this program will open up new activities such as snorkeling, paddling, and other reef discoveries to draw more tourists.

This year, ICRMP allocates P1.4 million in four coastal areas in Central Visayas.

With more than 30 members, OIETA already operates a souvenir shop and plans to offer different tour packages that will include meal arrangements.

Meanwhile, the P300,000 grant will be used to capacitate women in cooking to provide catering services, purchase appropriate equipment for the snorkeling guides, and purchase of paddle boats that will be used for the bird watching tours in the mangrove areas.

To ensure good overall management of enterprise, the members will undergo a series of lectures, capability building seminars and workshops under the DENR Ecotourism Enterprise Development Team.

Montejo also said “by providing alternative means of livelihood to coastal communities, we would be able to advocate and promote the responsible management of our coastal and marine resources with them so that exploitation and unwise utilization of these resources would be minimized.

ICRMP is being implemented by the DENR with funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility.

ICRMP has four project components, namely, policy and institutional strengthening and development; ICRM and biodiversity conservation; enterprise development and income diversification; and social and environment services and facilities. – (FREEMAN)