Samal tries to learn from Bora mistakes

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

WHAT has happened in Boracay should never happen in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), said Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Arturo Boncato Jr. in a press conference at Marco Polo Hotel.

A tourism master plan that is being concretized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and DOT will be the start to promote tourism in Samal.

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Mayor Aniano Antalan is very aggressive in pursuing the dream of Samal's promotion of becoming the resort tourism.

The master plan's first phase will concentrate on the basic infrastructure projects, such as the circumferential road that is to be constructed, the use of renewable energy, creation of a better sewage system, and the enhancement of the water system of the island.

"We are making sure that we do not do the things that have been done in Boracay and instead do the things that should have been done to avoid the deterioration of their natural resources," Boncato said.

He added that they intend to redirect their focus on international market after doing some housekeeping in Samal as the master plans mature.

"Our master plan is miles apart from what we know of 20 years ago that has gone up in the air," Boncato added.

Boncato also perceives the master plan as an action plan for the next five years, a formula that generations of leaders are expected to follow.

He said the basic utilities are in place. Plans and implementation will follow suit.

Along with the master plan for Igacos, Boncato said Mayor Antalan is open for investors to pass along proposals that will work for the Ekran Berhad site.

He said the local government of Igacos wants to encourage investors by "optimizing our resources for real markets that will help establish island destinations...build on it to gain international attention."