Concerted efforts needed to remove ‘aswang’ image from Capiz
ROXAS CITY – The image of Capiz province as haven of “aswang” (witch) could be overcome through the concerted efforts of all concerned, particularly LGUs, NGOs, POs, local communities, academe, social scientists, and marketing communications experts, among others.
This was the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) answer to Atty. Nelson Borja’s sentiments seeking the removal of the “aswang” image for Capiz.
In his letter to Atty. Borja, DOT through its Undersecretary Oscar P. Palabyab, said that the plans, programs and projects to improve the image of Capiz must be in collaboration with local residents, taking into account the fact that the negative reference to the province as a “land of witches” belongs to the past.
Borja, a native of Panay, Capiz, said that he welcomed the move of DOT to endorse to its regional director in Iloilo City his letter requesting that the province must be considered for development as a tourist destination and should erase its “aswang” image.
Earlier, Borja asked Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano in a letter to consider the potentials for development of Capiz as top tourism destination stressing that its negative image though casually taken as a joke is a big hindrance to its economic development.
“Unless this bad impression as a ‘land of witches’ is properly addressed through the implementation of the Toursim Act of 2009, our people would never heave a sigh of relief and feel that they are truly respected Capizenos,” Borja said.
Borja said he has already coordinated with the local media, the academe and other sectors in Capiz particularly with Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo.
Meanwhile, 16 workers who were reportedly maltreated, one of them was hacked and shot wounded, in Occidental Mindoro were also the victims of being ridiculed and insulted for being “aswang” from Capiz.
Mr. Juanito Bulaan, one of the 16 workers survivors, said during the press conference held last week at MVW Restaurant with Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr that they were told by Mr. Romeo Gascon that they cannot go fly home since their wings are still wet.
The 16 fishpond workers were rescued by Tanco through the help of Capizeños in the said place. The case was already referred to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).