“May interesado bala sa inyo magbaton bisita? (Are you interested in accommodating visitors?)”
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. posed this question during a dialogue with Sicogon Island leaders and fisherfolk organizations yesterday as he presented his vision of transforming coastal communities as point of care for tourism in the province of Iloilo.
The dialogue was attended by Carles Mayor Arnold Betita II, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, the barangay captains of Alipata, Buaya, and San Fernando, as well as representatives from local fisherfolk organizations including FESIFFA, BUFA, AKAPKA, SICAFFA, and USWAGON.
The governor presented his tourism program, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly sa Kabanwahanan for MoRProGRes,” which is designed to develop the local government units as primary hubs for tourism events and activities.
Sicogon Island, located in the coastal municipality of Carles, is one of Iloilo’s premier tourist destinations, famed for its pristine beaches and scenic coastal views.
Defensor said the provincial government will provide vital infrastructure projects to the barangays to help improve their water system, health facilities, road connectivity, and accommodation facilities.
“Importante nga mabakod ang aton LGU nga magbaton sang turista…Panamion namon ang inyo nga barangay, tagaan namon kamo sang water system kag health center. Ang dalan ninyo atindiron man naton,” he said.
With Carles being a coastal town, the provincial government will also showcase the fishing barangays as “Living Museum of Fisherfolk Tradition.”
Morever, the Governor assured stakeholders that the province will assist in resolving ongoing concerns with a private developer of Sicogon island.
Representatives from Ayala Land were also present to foster dialogue.
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