Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano has assured the rehabilitation of the ruins of the old Spanish lighthouse located at Sitio Guisi, Brgy. Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

During the recent turn-over and launch of the Guisi Discovery Quest, Durano said the aim of the rehabilitation is not to operationalize the lighthouse since there is already a new lighthouse constructed in the area but to use it as a functional viewing deck for tourists to enjoy the expanse of Guimaras’ attractions.

Durano said they will get the plans from the Municipal Tourism Officer of Nueva Valencia so the original look and ambience of this local attraction remain after the rehabilitation.

The site where the 18th century old Spanish lighthouse stand serves as a jump-off point for the Guisi Discovery Quest starts which offers an opportunity to explore the heritage sites and natural beauty of the island, said Durano as he stressed that the program, likewise will bring livelihood opportunities to the community.

“The tour guides, the cultural presentation involving the children, even the teachers here are part of the program so this is the fulfillment we experience in a successful community based tourism” said Durano, citing other successful rural tourism in the country such as in Donsol and Siargao.

The Guisi Discovery Quest is a community-based tourism project developed by the Department of Tourism as part of its tourism recovery program in the island province affected by the MT Solar I Oil spill in August 2006.

The project in coordination with the United Nations Development Program and Canadian Urban Institute is being run and operated by the Barangay Dolores Tourism Council which was organized by the province of Guimaras and the municipality of Nueva Valencia.

Under the program, visitors can avail of half or whole day tour packages that include mountain biking, snorkeling, rappelling, boating, trekking and meals.

Durano vowed his continued support to the project and other attractions of the province “simula pa lang ito and we will continue to be here to develop hindi lang itong Guisi but also the other attractions in Guimaras”.

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