ROXAS CITY (25 August) — The tourism programs of Western Visayas provinces particularly that of Capiz could get a much-needed boost from the proposed 2007 P1.126-trillion national budget for which Malacañang has asked Congress to give priority for approval.

The province lies along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway in the country’s western seaboard, a fact that now makes it noticeable to tourists.

In seeking expeditious congressional approval of the budget package, Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the proposed budget underscores the determination of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to ensure the country’s economic takeoff on the strength of the development of the five super regions.

The super regions will be developed along the following concerns: North Luzon as RP’s agribusiness center in the North; Metro Luzon as the urban beltway; Visayas as RP’s tourism center; Mindanao as the agribusiness center of the South; and the Cyber Corridor.

The development of the super regions needs P2.9 trillion over a five-year period from 2006 to 2010.

The development of the Visayas into a tourism hub augurs well for the present thrust of the provincial government through its Provincial Tourism Office to tap and develop Capiz’s tourism potentials.

The province has been known for its Sta. Monica Church in Panay town which has one of the world’s biggest bells, Suhot Cave in Dumalag town for spelunking enthusiasts, Baybay Beach in Roxas City for lovers of the sun and sea, festivals, and other attractions.

There are initiatives on the part of the province to expand the list.

Gov. Vicente Bermejo said tourism initiatives made by the provincial government have gained grounds in further promoting Capiz as the seafood capital of the Philippines and its other potentials to create more jobs and business opportunities.

During Bermejo’s term, the province has invested more than P5 million in tourism-related activities from local funds.

This was affirmed by Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr. who has been spearheading the province’s tourism development and promotion program. Through this office, the province has facilitated the distribution of promotional materials, organized the Capiz Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association, sponsored skills trainings, and formulated tour packages for local and foreign tourists.

Bermejo has said President Arroyo has put premium on the super regions as a vehicle to catapult the country into First World Status years from now. (PIA-JSC)

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