BBM and sons visit Bishop Rey Evamgelista at the Diocese of Boac. The disasters wrought by mining must have been recalled during the visit.
In April 2010, our newly-elected President Bongbong Marcos
visited Marinduque, the Heart of the Philippines. To have a glimpse of the Holy
Week traditions here.
He then gave a statement before the world that this island-paradise
should be promoted as a major tourist destination, citing its vast resources
and its natural beauty.
“Marinduque is known worldwide for its colorful Moriones
Festival and that’s good, but it has so much more to offer… that we must and will capitalize on to boost
tourism, spur economic activities, and uplift the quality of lives of
Marinduquenos”, BBM said.
Would-be First Lady, Liza, with sister, Irene and BBM sons Sandro, Vincent and Simon meet the Moriones.
I was in the middle of rehearsals to mount my passion play
in Buenavista, when this blogger was suddenly tasked by the late Gov. Bong
Carrion to which I of course, obliged to coordinate their visit with the municipalities.
Due to the tight schedule, the BBM family did not get to see a world-class resort here at that time, but which due to problems with the outdated airport eventually had to close down also.
But by May of the same year, CNN International reported that
Marinduque could very well be “the next tourist hotspot in Asia”.
“For years, Marinduque has been under the foreign tripper’s
radar, but not for long if politicos and developers have their way. The
laid-back island province is now being touted as the Philippines’ next holiday
haven”, CNN reported.
“Luzon officials are also on a crusade to raise the area’s
public profile”, and quoted BBM who said, “once the Marinduque air and sea ports
are modernized, larger volume of local and foreign tourists can be lured to
visit its little-known but awesome white sand beaches”.
Well, it is local politicos and private developers in
Marinduque who had their way since then, paving the way for BBM to consider revisiting Marinduque now to
see what has transpired here in terms of tourism infrastructure. (He and Inday Sara
missed the province during the campaign).
Both candidates won here and throughout MIMAROPA also, you know.
Call for BBM
May we say to President BBM, that his wish for “the chance to lead efforts to make it a key tourism destination” really needs a little, just a little more push this time.
Just a little lovin’.
Please come again soonest Mr. President. But, but, before coming, be reminded that this
tourism related dream of Marinduquenos and yours, too, may not truly come to
pass if...
You see, there are yet unresolved issues that went on and on during
the term of all seven presidents before you (unfortunately), in connection with
protecting our people from the ravages of irresponsible mining. Sickness and
death included.
But all our six municipalities, without exception in having
their realization, have now joined persistent calls that lasted decades to
declare small island-Marinduque a mining free-zone.
So, Mr. President, kindly push for real tourism here now,
and decisively help pull all mining risks and threats in Marinduque altogether for once.
Marinduquenos are joyful in cheering for you! And we're not called the Heart of the Philippines for nothing.
Welcome back in advance!
Incumbent Boac Mayor Armi Carrion, the late Gov. Bong Carrion, Bongbong Marcos, Vice-Gov. Tom Pizarro
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