Tuesday, May 13, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
THE Philippines is set to enter into two major joint ventures aimed at reviving two of the country’s major historical islets, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila told reporters that the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) will take on partners for developing the Balicasag Island, which was formerly a Naval reserve in Bohol, and the Corregidor Island in Bataan.
Favila said the government has finalized the guidelines for the joint venture deals.
Balicasag Island, known to be one of the world’s best diving spots, runs to 25 hectares, but only 1.5 hectares have been developed into a resort since 1989. State-run PTA, along with the Philippine Navy, promotes underwater sports while protecting marine life in the island, which is a showcase for marine environmental conservation and tourism.
Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and European divers frequent this place all year round.
“The government is already in talks with a group of international investors in making this island a world-class resort,” Favila said.
Corregidor Island, on the other hand, is a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who held their ground against the invading Japanese forces during World War II.
“It is just proper for the government to revive and develop this island, since it plays a very important role in [our] history,” Favila said.
Apart from the two islands, the government is lining up other assets for joint development, he said. -- Katrina Mennen A. Valdez
________________________________________________________________________
