Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, who traces his ancestry to Marinduque, graced the Moriones Festival and had the opportunity to experience Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa as well as visit the towns of Boac, Gasan, Buenavista and Torrijos.After lunch with Congressman Allan Velasco and the municipal mayors on Black Saturday at the congressman's residence in Torrijos, Velasco made a brief presentation on Marinduque's tourism resources and discussed immediate concerns of this island-province (now tagged as one of the world's top islands by foreign travel writers). Discussed was the needed rehabilitation of the airport runway, among others. Before departing for Manila the next day, the Secretary actually stepped on the runway to see for himself the dilapidated portion of the airport that deter many airlines from flying here. Also read Marinduque Airport badly rocks.
The following entry and above photo appeared in the Department of Tourism's Facebook Page today:
"The major concern is making Marinduque a year-round tourism destination to provide livelihood and employment opportunities to the people. At present, the province survives on agriculture. Sec. Lim advised Congressman Allan Velasco to make an inventory of Marinduque's potential tourism resources during their initial conversation at the latter's residence. Later, after lunch, Cong. Velasco made a brief presentation of the province's resources.
"The sulfuric hot spring in Buenavista, the Maniwaya island and the Bathala Cave in Sta. Cruz were among the potential site-products that can be developed in addition to events and sports activities that can be organized the whole-year round. The congressman wants Marinduque to be known as the "Heart of the Philippines" being the geodetic center of the country and its map having a heart shape."
Photo shows DOT Secretary Lim, his staff and Congressman Velasco with this blogger (to the left).
Mayor Roberto Madla of Boac and Cong. Velasco with Sec. Lim.
