Thursday, October 04, 2007 Mayor laments lack of tourism support for town By Syril G. Repe
DAUIN, Negros Oriental -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently recognized the province of Negros Oriental as among the top 20 best places to live in the word.
Joseph "Ace" Durano, Tourism secretary, disclosed that the province of Negros Oriental offers a diverse and colorful marine life around Apo Island located at the municipality of Dauin.
Mayor Rodrigo Alano said despite the recognition by the Department of Tourism, he is sad because DOT did not support or give a single centavo to help the tourism industry of Dauin.
Alanano stressed it is the local government unit's initiative to protect the environment especially the marine sanctuary along the coastal areas of Dauin, which is notably one of the tourist attractions in the country.
He also asked the National Government to give 75 percent of the income of Apo Island back to the local government, which the National Government promised.
Alanano lamented that Dauin provides financial assistance to the people who take care of Apo Island even in the absence of the income refund.
Alanano, on his last term, promised to continue his program and this time he will concentrate on the upper lands of his town to build up tourist attractions.
The Apo Island can be reached by a 30-minute road trip to Malatapay, Zamboanguita, a small coastal town in the south of Negros Oriental. Apo Island is a divine tropical getaway especially for those who love diving.
It is a one of a kind experience to be able to see what the island has to offer in terms of marine wealth.
The Philippine government has taken pains to protecting this sanctuary, banning spear fishing and all fishing methods within 500 meters from the shore.
