The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Azer N. Parrocha / Philippines News Agency
The provincial government of Palawan has earmarked about P2.07 billion for tourism development this year, a Department of Tourism (DOT) official said recently.
In a news conference, DOT Region 4-B Director Minerva Morada said the amount would be used for more than 30 convergence projects.
Morada said that, at present, three road infrastructure projects worth P196.75 million had been completed and are set to be turned over in the municipalities of Narra, Taytay and San Vicente.
Meanwhile, five more road infrastructure projects are scheduled for completion in Quezon, San Vicente and Busuanga towns, while two technical Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) projects are being implemented in Brooke’s Point and San Vicente.
These are only some of the many projects the provincial government has to help the province strengthen its position as a top tourist destination and, at the same time, boost its investment environment.
Gov. Jose Chaves Alvarez of Palawan said the province will lead an aggressive campaign, called Palawan: World’s Best Island Tourism and Investment Expo, to promote investments in the province.
The expo is expected to showcase the province’s attractions, business opportunities and gastronomic delights in three components: the Palawan Investment Forum, on July 28; the Palawan Food Fair, on July 30 and 31; and the Palawan Tourism and Trade Fair, from August 7 to 9.
The expo is organized by the Palawan provincial government, the Palawan Tourism Council, the DOT, the United States Agency for International Development, and the University of Asia and the Pacific.
“We believe that the only way for which we can address poverty is by inviting companies to set up businesses in the provinces in order to generate employment and income opportunities for Palaweños,” Alvarez said.
The governor also said that, from the start of his term in 2013 until June this year, the province has earned about P2.3 billion in private investments.
He added, however, that this was “not enough,” and stressed that the province needed to generate more investments to boost its economic development.
“In Palawan, we see a very strong support from the provincial government and private sector,” Morada said, stressing how the province has transitioned from tourism promotion to pursuing more investments opportunities.
“I see no reason why Palawan cannot fulfill its dream of the governor to see Palawan as the premier destination in the whole country and maintain its enviable status in the international tourism map,” she added.