PALOMPON, Leyte- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launches its economic recovery plans, efforts supporting Leyte ’s tourism industry which was among the key sectors that was affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.
The DILG regional office turned over 10 stand-up paddle boats and glamping tents funded by the Canadian government through the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED).
The LGSP-LED is a DILG program funded by the Government of Canada. It seeks to reduce poverty by creating business-friendly LGUs and competitive tourism industries.
The LGSP-LED is working with the provincial government of Leyte to revitalize key attraction sites along the North West (NW) Leyte Tourism Circuit in order to invite tourists to go back to the destination and also encourage more tourist arrivals.
The equipment are scheduled to be turned over in Ormoc City on March 25, 2014. The Barangay Organization to Guide, Serve and Accommodate You (BOGSAY), a people’s organization protecting and co-managing the Lake Danao Natural Park , will receive the said equipment.
The Palompon Municipal Ecotourism Council (PMETC), Inc. received the equipment through a turnover ceremony held at the town’s Tourism Building. The PMETC is a private sector partner of the municipal government in managing the tourism activities in Kalanggaman Island.
The provision of equipment (including training and business enterprise management) provides for more visitor activities and add to the destination’s attractiveness to tourists.
The enhanced site will be able to cater to more tourists, particularly for the upcoming third visit of the cruise ship MS Europa 2 on March 17, 2014 to Kalanggaman Island.
The MS Europa 2’s last visit brought over 300 foreign tourists who participate in ‘voluntourism’ activities, boosting the tourism economic recovery in the area. DOT Secretary Jimenez previously expressed plans to put Kalanggaman Island on the cruise ship tourism map of the world in his last visit in Palompon.(PR)
