Arroyo visits Bicol for Super Region tour

AFTER short visit to the provinces in Mindanao last week for Agribusiness project, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues her Super Region tour Monday now in Central Philippines.

Arroyo flew to Albay and Sorsogon to kick off her Super Region inspection in Central Philippines, which covers regions such as Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

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In her visit to Sorsogon, the President went to a Donsol, which became a major tourist destination because of the world famous butanding or whale-shark. She spent some time waiting for the whale-shark there.

Arroyo then proceeded to Donsol National Comprehensive High School where she interacted with some teachers and students. She personally checked a newly-established computer room where Internet connection was put up to train students in the innovation of technology.

Welcoming the President were Sorsogon Governor Sally Lee, Congressmen Salvador Escudero III and Jose Solis, Pilar town Mayor Dennis Reyes, and other local officials.

The Central Philippines is one of the five Super Region projects of Arroyo, which has been her top priority in her term.

She had initially inspected and visited Super Region projects such as the Cyber Corridor Super Region, Luzon Urban beltway Super region, and the Mindanao Agribusiness Super Region.

Arroyo’s Super Region project aims to highlight her legacy achievement over her past nine years in office.

On Tuesday, Arroyo is scheduled to convene the Cabinet in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. She will then fly to Cebu for an overnight stay and then proceed to Bohol. Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol are all part of the Central Philippines.

With Arroyo’s Super Region project, Central Philippines became significant destination that offers direct international access, seamless connectivity, world class tourist facilities, products that meet the demands of tourists.

In 2008, foreign visitor volume reached 3.14 million while from January to September 2009, foreign and local tourists reached 5.2 million or 17 percent over the 4.5 million for the same January-September period in 2008.

Central Philippines is considered as the world's best dive spots in places such as Tubbataha in Palawan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. It also showcases other tourist attractions such birdwatching and kayaking in Cebu, Camarines Sur, and Bohol. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)