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Thursday, August 08, 2002
An ambush chat with Surigao Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers
By Rubelyn Yap
IT'S not everyday that one gets to interview other Mindanaoan officials so I considered myself fortunate that I had to interview young Surigao del Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers.
While I personally admire him for bringing development to the province, I had a hard time getting his view on the Ruben Ecleo story.
When I spotted him at the recently concluded TRI (Tourism Related Industry) congress held in Marco Hotel, this city, I didn't hesitate to introduce myself and launch an ambush interview with him, ambush since he was with three other mayors at the time.
The parley goes.....
Sun Star Cagayan de Oro (SSCDO): How's the situation in San Jose now?
Gov. Lyndon Barbers (GLB): It's back to normal, okey na sila ngayon.
SSCDO: Sir, how do you feel that they were branded as cult?
GLB: You know, I get hurt everytime I heard people saying that to them. I was even asked by a reporter in a presscon in Camp Crame. As far as I know the Ecleos and the PBMA, they are not a cult and I don't believe they are. Are you gonna call a certain group a cult if they go to church and worship God?
SSCDO: Sir, I was able to visit the place after the incident, and I found it very nice and a very tourism material, is that possible?
GLB: I already talk with the Ecleo's regarding being a tourism destination but we need to talk further on the issue. Sana pumayag sila, they can get additional income from it and the PBMA foundation can even get some percentage. Have you ever been to Siargao?
SSCDO: No, I haven't.
BGLB: Right now, I am inviting you to go there. On September 26, we have the 1st national surfing competition where President Arroyo will grace the affair. And whoever will won that competition he will represent the country in the 1st International Surfing Competition on the 1st week of October.
SSCDO: Sir, aside from Siargao Island, what are the other tourist destination SDN possess?
GLB: We have the Sohoton cave and the Enchanted Lake Bababoo. (Bababoo is where Ruben Ecleo, Sr. used to cleanse himself whenever he has problems)
SSCDO: I know about the Sohoton cave. I was curious about the Lake Bababoo, why is it enchanted and where is it?
GLB: Lake Bababoo is in the town of Basilisa in Dinagat Island, it is in the top of a mountain and what makes this beautiful is that it is very mysterious. The lake is sorrounded by trees and you will wonder why never a single leaf fall on the lake. That is why we call it enchanted.
SSCDO: Sir, I really appreciate the beauty of SDN especially your coastal area. Are you not afraid that tourism might endanger your beautiful spots?
GLB: I knew how to handle the commercialization of tourism. It was good for me since I already have a background in tourism being the NCR-Regional Director. What I do now as governor is that, I have drafted an ordinance that says no resorts will be constructed 20-25 meters away from the shoreline and every developing destination must not affect the environment. Environment must be in tandem with tourism.
SSCDO: Sir, what do you want Surigao del Norte be remembered of?
GLB: That it is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, oh! not Philippines but Asia. People will have a whole new experience when they are in Surigao del Norte.
SSCDO: Any message?
GLB: I just want people to give us a chance to prove ourselves that to be in Surigao del Norte is a whole new experience. |
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