GMA orders change of Panay dev't plan from agri to tourism
KALIBO, Aklan--President Arroyo wants development plans for Panay island changed from agri-industrial to tourism.
On the occasion of the Tugbong Festival and the town fiesta of the Pandan town in Antique province, the President said that government efforts should be focused more on developing Panay island's tourism potentials, particularly the world-famed white sand beaches of Boracay island in Malay, Aklan.
Mrs. Arroyo said that Undersecretary Salvador Sarabia, who hails from Iloilo City, is currently preparing plans for the tourism sector of Panay island, which is composed of the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Antique.
She bared plans of including other nearby towns and provinces to be part of the tourism hub in the Central Visayas where tourists can also visit other than Boracay.
In 2002, the President said during her speech in Kalibo, Aklan, the Panay Integrated Development Plan was created. It proposed to make Panay an agro-industrial center. She observed that Iloilo province is one of the country's biggest suppliers of rice. Then, the island's income came mainly from agricultural products.
But times have changed, the President said.
The income from Boracay island is many times bigger than that from agricultural products, she pointed out.
So we need to change the Panay Development Plan and make tourism the center, the President declared.
In her speech at the ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo on the occasion of the 50th Charter Day of Aklan, Arroyo said that Spain now earns more from tourism than what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earns from oil sales.
"How time flies, it has been so long ago because now if tourism can earn more than oil, certainly Boracay has caused a major difference in the lives of the people of Aklan," she stressed. She added that Boracay has contributed much to the "wealth and the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the Philippines.
"That is how much Boracay is earning for Aklan and the whole Philippines."
Boracay has been the top tourist destination last year, according to Arroyo. It was also the top destination for New Year's Eve celebrations and even during the Holy Week.
"I have that fervent prayer that Boracay will spread the gold and be the heart of development all over Aklan and all over Panay."
Related to this, the President said that there is a need for expansion to include the rest of Panay. She also stressed on the importance of good roads and facilities to accommodate tourists.
At the same time, Arroyo said of the new market for local producers.
"I hope that your mangga, your piña, your abaca will find their way to the hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops of Boracay," she stressed.
It is saddening, according to her, that souvenir products sold in Boracay shops are made from other countries. "Tourism is not just about beaches, resorts, but also products that could be sold to tourists."
I hope that the souvenir products sold would be 'Made in Panay,' she added.