MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano on Monday, September 10, said his administration is focusing on tourism-related infrastructure projects to further develop the tourist destinations in the province.
Emano made the statement during the kick-off ceremony of the provincial tourism week celebration at the capitol grounds, Monday.
The governor said he will implement road concreting projects leading to the tourism sites and improve the tourist attractions itself.
“Dako na ang naabot sa turismo sa probinsya and karon mag focus ta sa (Tourism in the province has reached great heights and now we shall focus on) infrastructure projects like roads leading to tourist destinations ug ang tourist spot mismo,” Emano said.
Emano said he is allocating about P159 million for tourism next year. He is set to submit a P2.9 billion proposed budget to the provincial board soon.
The capitol's top official also urged local government units to cooperate with him on his effort to make the province famous for its tourist attractions.
He said most of the towns in the province have been accepting his flagship program regardless of political differences.
“Akong hangyo sa mga LGUs nga mo-cooperate para mausa ang atong efforts and further collaborations nga ma-promote ang turismo sa probinsya,” Emano said.
He also said the government's security forces also play a big role in the success of the capitol's tourism programs by stabilizing peace and order.
Lawyer Jeffrey Saclot, head of the provincial tourism department, said the budget allocated for next year will be more than enough to develop more tourist spots in the province.
Saclot is hoping that private sectors and partners including the national government will also help in the capitol's endeavor to expand the tourism projects.
“Little by little we have addressed the needs for tourism development despite the challenges. Hopefully mahatagan sa higayon si Gov. Bambi sa iyang last term daghan na ta ma-materialize nga mga projects for tourism,” Saclot said
Meanwhile, various activities are in place for the tourism week celebration which will culminate on Saturday.
The activities include photo and painting exhibit at the provincial capitol lobby;
Tienda sa MisOr: A MisOr Food Exhibit; Food product presentation contest for tourism officers of Misamis Oriental; Tourism Singing Ambassador contest; Ground breaking ceremony and capsule laying of the MisOr Negosyo Center at the provincial capitol grounds; and acoustic show at the Farmer's Market.