Pioneer education-tourism site to rise in Miagao
The first ever education-tourism destination in the country will soon rise in University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) complex in Miagao, Iloilo.
UPV officials on Wednesday presented its Diwata Shore project, an academic leisure facility to be developed at the five-hectare shoreline property of the UPV.
The project which has four components, namely, Diwata Aquascape, Water Garden, UPV Aquasport, and One UPV Hostel, is deemed to spur economic opportunities for the municipality of Miagao and its people through employment and local enterprise developments.
Total project cost is pegged at P55 million with initial funding of P15 million coming from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Banat (Barangay Natin) partylist Representative Salvador “Buddy” Britanico and P20 million allocation from the Annual Budget of UPV.
Britanico, who hails from Oton, Iloilo, said he is proud to be involved in the realization of the Diwata Shore project as it will create a name for Iloilo in terms of education-tourism.
Britanico said projects like the Diwata Shore is needed by the province since it does not have a major tourist destination to cater to domestic and foreign visitors.
The partylist solon, who was also instrumental in making Iloilo as the site of the main campus of UPV, is optimistic that the Diwata Shore will add attraction to the university which is known as the seat of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the country and also to the historic municipality of Miagao.
Based on the project’s master plan, Diwata Shore is envisioned as an integrated facility that will infuse university dynamics into the local tourism industry. It aspires to introduce a tourist haven where one can relax, dine, have fun and at the same time learn and appreciate the fisheries and aquatic environment.
The main spectacle of the complex is the Diwata Aquascape which is the aquaria of tropical and marine living species, marine museum and an area for interactive learning about aquatic and environmental sciences.
The Water Garden is a reception, function, and leisure facility to create an ambient and wellness millieu. The UPV Aquasports is a swimming facility in support to the academic requirement of the Physical Education Program of UPV and all swimming enthusiasts in the area. One UPV Hostel, on the other hand, will offer more than a home away from home – it will also offer an educational experience by featuring the achievements of UPV in instruction, research and extension work.
