Canada funds tourism projects

MANILA, Philippines - Ten new projects focusing on tourism development in various regions of the Philippines, including in Yolanda-affected areas, will receive funding from the government of Canada.

The projects, the third batch of beneficiaries under Canada’s Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), will be implemented from 2014 to 2016.

“This batch of local initiatives selected by LGSP-LED and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will focus on tourism development, working closely with the Department of Tourism in implementing its National Tourism Development Plan,” Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder said during the projects’ launch in Pasig City recently.

“The ten initiatives are expected to serve as innovative models for other local government units (LGUs) to showcase how a stronger business climate and investments in tourism-related infrastructure are key factors in attracting other investments, and creating jobs,” he added.

Four of the ten approved proposals will be in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda, aiming to rebuild economic opportunities through tourism development:

 Palawan – Economic recovery through sustainable tourism development of the Coron-Busuanga-Culion area;

Northern Panay (Aklan and Antique) – Community-based ecotourism circuit development in Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste and Culasi in Antique, linked to Boracay and Northern Aklan tourism corridor;

Iloilo – Rebuilding economic opportunities of micro and small to medium enterprises in Banate, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Concepcion, Estancia and Carles;

Cebu – Green eco-tourism circuit development with business recovery program in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Santa Fe, Medellin, and Bogo City.

The other projects are in Albay-Sorsogon, Batangas, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Davao del Norte.

Local initiatives such as tourism circuit development, workforce capacity-building and investment promotions have so far led the first two batches of LGU beneficiaries to attract almost P6 billion in investments and created over 2,200 new jobs in the two years of direct supervision from LGSP-LED.

The LGSP-LED is an $18-million, 8-year bilateral project in partnership with the DILG. Through this project, LGUs are provided technical advice and trainings on how to improve their business environment to be more competitive, attractive to investments and conducive to job creation.