Wanted: Ecotourism entrepreneurs in Aklan
Kalibo, Aklan -- Blocks of P50,000 worth of grants to deserving groups or individuals with feasible entrepreneurial/business proposals in eco-tourism sites in the country are at stake with the opening for applicants for GREET -- or Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Ecotourism.
The GREET program is in line with the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote and safeguard the country's ecotourism sites through the provision of essential services for tourists.
The program has been conceived to enhance the livelihood opportunities for promising entrepreneurs who can best explore the inherent tourist drawing potentials of ecotourism sites which can readily be sources of income within their respective protected areas.
Information materials obtained from the Provincial Tourism Office here bared that qualified to join the GREET program are applicants who are Filipino citizens, 18 years old and above and has some training/experience related to their business idea; must be a resident of the town or province where the ecotourism site is located for a minimum of two years; at least high school graduate and of good moral character.
Entrepreneurs who wish to establish new or expand existing tourism products and services may also apply. All applicants must be able to present their business plans/proposals in person to the GREET Screening and Evaluation Committee.
For organizations -- qualified to apply are community organizations, business associations and local tourism offices based and operating in town or province where an eco-tourism site is located and is duly registered with the appropriate government agency.
Merits will be given to organizations that have demonstrated successful delivery of programs for community and have a well-developed network of key stakeholders and private sector partners. The organizations must also manifest functionality and must have at least a minimum amount of organizational funds to sustain the current operational level of its existing activities and projects.
Examples of activities or projects eligible for funding are the following but not limited to: Tourism Products -- Operation of new activities (Whitewater Rafting, Water sports, hiking, etc); Operation of new services (Tour Guiding, Interaction Guiding, ground handling ); Tourism facilities -- accommodations, foods and beverages establishments, souvenir shops and gears and equipment shops.
It is seen that with Aklan's other eco-tourism sites besides the world famous Boracay Island, the GREET program will gather many Aklanon applicants.
Several municipalities also boast of tourist attractions and ecotourism potentials. These municipalities -- like Kalibo, Aklan's capital town has its Manggad it Kalibo Eco-tourism program composed of the Bakhawan Eco Park, the Ati-Atihan Village and the Piña Village; Tangalan has its Bugna it Tangalan Community Based Ecotourism composed of Marine Sanctuary and Coral Garden, Jawili Falls, Bughawi Beach and Recreation Project and Campo Verde which is ideal for mountain trekking, biking and horseback riding; Malay where Boracay is, and so are the Malay Ecological Garden in the mainland, Dalamuan Falls, Agnaga Falls and Cold Spring and the Nabaoy River where Boracay sources its water supply for tourists and residents alike; Libacao, with its Wild River ideal for bamboo rafting, kayaking and water bases sports; its water falls, its mountains ideal for hiking and trekking and Nabas, packaging itself as nature's haven for its cold springs, pebble beaches, clean rivers and mountains also ideal for mountain hiking and trekking.
Individuals interested to apply may secure application forms at Municipal tourism offices and DOT Regional offices. Forms can also be downloaded from the GREET Website at www.wowpinoy.net/greet.
Deadline for submission of entries is on June 30, 2007 while the awarding of grants is on September 2007.
(PIA)