Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Tilt on for best Greet in W. Visayas
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) will accept applications of entrepreneurial individuals who are interested to avail of financial grants under their Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Eco-tourism (Greet) program until August 31, 2007.
The Greet program provides P50,000 to 100,000 grants as start-up capital to deserving groups or individuals with feasible business proposal in eco-tourism sites.
Western Visayas Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said the program was launched to encourage groups or individuals to develop and promote eco-tourism sites in the communities and eventually to provide livelihood opportunities for the residents which are in consonance with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s employment generation and tourism development thrusts.
Trompeta cited some of the preliminary recipients of the grant which included Mr. Lamberto Avisado Jr. with his River Cruiser & Canteen at Ugong River, the Donsol Boat Association with their Butanding Boat Services and Improvement and Mr. Allan Amanse and Ms. Theresa Bernacer with their Butanding T-shirt and Souvenir Shop. All the recipients are from South Luzon.
The potential investment will be evaluated according to the following criteria: originality, uniqueness, creativity; viability of implementation and projections; economic impact and job creation; promotion of natural and cultural preservation; and growth potentials.
The Greet grant awarding is scheduled on September 2007 with no less than the President who has been invited to be the guest of honor.
