Saturday, May 26, 2007 Wanted: Tourism oriented project proposals By Jane Cadalig
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is encouraging individual or group entrepreneurs in the region to join the government's Grassroots Entrepreneur for Eco-tourism Program (Greet), a project which aims to enhance the livelihood opportunities of residents in eco-tourism rich areas.
The Greet program provides a grant of P50,000 to P100,000 to individuals or groups who met the project's objectives, among which the development of an enterprising culture within the local community without jeopardizing the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources of the eco-tourism sites.
DOT Regional Director Purificacion Molintas said the office is still awaiting project proposals for endorsement to the Greet secretariat, although briefing has already been conducted to prospective beneficiaries.
Nationwide, there are 32 identified tourism sites where the DoT would provide P50,000 to P100,000 worth of grants to groups and individuals with feasible business concepts on eco-tourism.
The whole of Cordillera region is identified as the one of the eco-tourism areas in the country, Molintas said.
Among the projects that are eligible for funding includes the operation of new tourism activities and services, tourism facilities such as accommodations, food and beverage establishments, souvenir shops and gears and equipment shops.
