CAMIGUIN (PIA) -- To boost the number of tourists on the island of Camiguin, specifically Guinsiliban town, the local government highlighted the development of eco-tourism, which builds more opportunities for the people of Guinsiliban, including the government's thrust and direction, and aims for good governance. 

Donnabelle Francisco, municipal tourism officer, said Guinsiliban is currently a 6th-class municipality, and they have a limited budget for implementing programs. Thus, they created community-based tourism management, a form of tourism that seeks to empower communities, "nga dili lang ang government agency ang maka-benefit but as well as to empower our communities, ang mga lumulupyo,” she said.

[Not only could the government agency benefit, but it could also enhance communities and residents.]

This initiative shows cooperation from everyone—residents and the LGU of Guinsiliban—who contribute to the development of tourism. 

Francisco added that non-government organizations (NGOs) or the private sector can help achieve community aspirations through community-based tourism management. Thus, the LGU is not the only important participant; it also collaborates with people who have a business mindset and are willing to start their own community-based tourist management ventures.

Among the areas focused on development in Guinsiliban are Cabuan Community Village and Coastal Tour, Guinsiliban Aqua Marine Park, and Monte Calbaryo—the first two being near waters, while the latter is located at Mt. Ilihan.

Entrance fees in these places only cost less than P50, while rent for the table starts at P150, and equipment for snorkeling is available inside for immediate usage.

Francisco also shared the preparations of the local government for the upcoming Panaad 2024, a religious act in the province, to accommodate a great influx of locals and tourists.

“Para sa atong ‘Camiguin Isle Be There’ booth, naa didto ang mga serbisyo ang 'one town, one product, one barangay, one product.' We will also offer free charging didto sa amoang booth so tanan mga nanaad, kadtong namaklay pwede mo magpahulay. Then we also offer kakanin for free, kape, binignit. We would like to sustain nga ang mga trabahante, empleyado sa munisipyo naay ga-offer gayud murag mao nani ang among one way of giving or sharing our blessings, kaning Panaad,” Francisco said.

[For our 'Camiguin Isle Be There' booth, we will offer all our services for the 'one town, one product, one barangay, one product.' We will also offer free charging at our booth so all those who will join the Panaad can rest. Then we provide free food, coffee, and dessert soup. We want to show that the municipality's workers offer something to our guests, and this is our way of sharing our blessings through this Panaad.]  

The tourism officer also added that the local government includes tourism in their goals for working on good governance, highlighting tourism as one of the helpful aspects of the town in building a stronger and more disciplined community. (MGAB/PIA-10/Camiguin)