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Friday, June 16, 2006
Work together, Malapascua resort owners told
By Work together, Malapascua resort owners told
Resort owners in Malapascua Island have complained of “fixers” who prey on tourists by charging high fees for a tour of the island, or who pick up tourists of one resort and bring them to another.
But instead of offering solutions, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia told the association president that she will not “spoonfeed” the resort owners, whom she said must get their act together and cooperate with each other, instead of taking care of just their individual interests.
However, the governor is asking the task force that she created to administer Malapascua to formulate a “code of conduct” for divers and all other services offered in the island.
“Ask not what the Province can do for you. Ask yourselves what you should do for this island,” Garcia told resort owners in a meeting last Wednesday.
“Organize yourselves. You should have an association in the real sense of the word. We are not here to solve your each and every ache, including your heartaches, because we have priorities and my priority is to preserve this island even if it means you’ll lose your business. We are not your business partners,” she added.
She announced that the Provincial Government is taking over control of the island from the Municipality of Daanbantayan. She vowed to deliver by next year the island’s port, water system, circumferential road and health facilities.
In return, she demands that resort owners follow the Malapascua Island Eco-tourism Development Plan.
These include the demolition of all structures within the 20-meter easement zone. Those declared timberland areas, such as Malapascua, must have an easement zone of 40 meters, but since authorities are moving for its reclassification, she said it is best to follow the 20-meter requirement for another classification.
Garcia also warned affected business owners not to approach her for reconsideration. “Once I establish a policy, all must follow, dili ko muliko because amigo. Forget it, I will not entertain you.” (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 16, 2006 issue)
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