Little Hoops Dome launched in Olango

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government launched  a smaller version of Hoops Dome in Olango Island, as a way of promoting the island as a tourism spot among local and foreign travellers.

The Mini Hoops Dome which is located in Barangay Talima will be a venue for activities and events in the island, according to Mayor Paz Radaza, who was present in the inauguration day together with the island natives.

"I want the island to have this Mini Hoops Dome for future programs and projects," Radaza said.

She said the city set aside a budget of P15 million to build the mini complex, which has a capacity of 500 seats with seven rooms for indoor games.

The launching of the facility came a week after the city launched the Island Eco-Tourism Park in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Sabang, also in Olango Island last December 12.

The eco-tourism park, managed by the community of Barangay Sabang, allows tourists to enjoy activities such as mangrove planting and mangrove watching, overnight stay on tents, walking through the bamboo bridge and watch fishes in the aquarium.

The park is the second community-based eco-tourism program in Olango Island, which is also  known for its bird sanctuary.

Last year, the Olango My Getaway program was also launched by the city, where tourists can enjoy a "culinary tour on bike".

"The Mini Hoops Dome will help boost tourism in the island," Radaza pointed out.

The Hoops Dome in the mainland, located in Barangay Gun-ob, has been a venue for big sporting events like basketball games by the Philippine Basketball Association.

"I hope that just like in the mainland, this Mini Hoops Dome will also host huge sporting events," Radaza said.