Leyte town tops tourism contest anew

LEYTE, Philippines  – The town of Palompon in this province was cited anew as the best tourism-oriented local government unit during a ceremony held in Davao City on Saturday.

This is the second year in a row that Palompon, a Yolanda-devastated town, got the award.

Mayor Ramon Oñate says the award inspires him to strive more for the good of his town.

Oñate attributed the award to the efforts of the municipal officials, the Palompon eco-tourism council and his constituents.

He cited their success in combining tourism and environmentalism in achieving the award for the second time.

Kalanggaman Island, the town’s center for tourism development, remained clean despite the influx of locals and foreign tourists.

No visitors are allowed to stay overnight on the island except on rare occasions. The island resort is limited to only 500 persons per day.

Oñate said, in 2013, the town generated P5.1 million in revenues. The figure dropped to P3.6 million after Yolanda devastated the region.

From Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, local tourism picked up anew, generating P6.1 million in revenue.