BORONGAN, Eastern
Samar – Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone is optimistic tourism
will boom in this part of the country once the two airports operate a
few years from now.
This, Evardone said in
his message during the oath-taking ceremony of the Provincial Tourism
Council at the Provincial Capitol, Monday.
Evardone was confident
to say that tourism is the biggest industry in the world with hotel,
food, transportation and communication demands that corresponds to the
industry. He was also articulate to recall that the province,
particularly Guiuan, is one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s
focus in her Mega Regions Programs, hence the appropriation for the
rehabilitation of the World Class Airport with P10M initial budget to
fix the apron of the airport terminal.
He also said that the
Borongan Airport will likewise be rehabilitated, even as it has not
yet began in actual operation. The Governor however reported that
according to the Provincial Engineer, Engineer Dindo Picardal, some
P60M may be required to fully rehabilitate the Borongan Airport
terminal before it can be operational, and this has been remedied, the
Governor said.
Since the province is
filled with tourism potentials, the ULAP Spokesman urged the municipal
tourism officers present to cultivate, preserve and promote their
respective tourist attractions and effect some preparations for
upcoming tourism activities. He said that the province is rich with
beaches, falls, rock mountains and festivals which can certainly
attract several tourists to this part of the country. He made special
mention of Calicoan Surfing grounds in Guiuan which has fairly drew-in
some tourists more than Borongan, but he also expressed hope in
general that once the airports are put in place, the province will be
open to tourist spill-over from Cebu and Bohol.
He also mentioned that
as reported in the past, Asian Spirit has signified their intention to
fly Borongan. He said that he has suggested to DOTC Secretary Leandro
Mendoza to enter into negotiations with Asian Spirit, i.e. offering
government subsidy in some seats be subsidized by LGU; with this
offer, Evardone said perhaps the plane owners can accede to it,
thereby changing the economic activity in Eastern Samar with the
expected influx of local and foreign tourists.
With Guiuan and
Borongan airports being workout simultaneously, Evardone said, either
of the airport may operate in the province, where they believe they
can have market.
