DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to boost sustainable tourism through the “Legacy of the Sea” project, which broke ground on November 25, 2024, in Silaki Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan.
The project is a 3rd place winner in the Luzon Group for the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) that received a grant of P15 million from DOT that aims to develop a sustainable, community-based tourism destination while offering economic opportunities for local residents.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the TCC program is a flagship initiative of the government that aims to enhance tourism development strategies by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
“It is our hope that through the Tourism Champions Challenge, additional opportunities will be provided to Pangasinan, particularly Bolinao and neighboring municipalities, knowing that through tourism we will have additional economic opportunities,” she said.
Governor Ramon Guico III, represented by Board Member Marinor De Guzman, commended the milestone achievement to the development of Bolinao for its creativity and resilience.
“Winning third place in this national competition is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the people of Bolinao,” Guico’s message read by Board Member De Guzman.
Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste expressed with pride in the capacity of this project to offer and create jobs for local residents, stating, “It is a great honor for the town of Bolinao that we have won, and this project will greatly benefit the people here because this area [Silaki Island] will become a tourism spot and will provide livelihoods in the future, like making replicas of clam.”
Rufo Caasi, barangay captain of Barangay Binabalian, noted the potential of the project in creating livelihood opportunities for locals.
“I am grateful for the government’s projects; can you imagine, this small Sitio [Silaki Island] has already seen many constructions by the government. They can be helped if many tourists come here; they can sell handicrafts and increase their livelihood,” he said.
Fisherwoman Ermy Padilla, 55 years old, shared her optimism, saying, “This is good because many tourists will come here, making our place more well-known. Our island will further develop because of the tourism and the many people; everyone will benefit.”
Allen Padilla, 56, Bantay-Dagat Volunteer, added, “That’s good, because it also provides additional livelihood and will help many people here. This project is really a big help, and the people here are truly counting on it because fishing is the only livelihood here.”
Following the ceremony, Frasco signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to formalize the implementation project, aiming to position Silaki Island as a model for community-based tourism while preserving its ecological and cultural treasures.
The “Legacy of the Sea” project will include viewports, floating docks, a hanging footbridge, a Mini Experience Center, and foot trails for unique and sustainable tourism experiences on the island.
Meanwhile, DOT also distributed tour guide kits and personal accident insurance worth P50,000 each to 17 accredited tour guides in Pangasinan.
The kits included practical items such as shades, a fedora hat, an eco-friendly tumbler, a journal, sunblock, and an electronic lapel microphone. (AMB/EMSA/CBC/PIA Pangasinan)
