CATBALOGAN CITY — The province of Samar divulged their plans to develop Buri Island as an ecotourism destination in the province.
The formulated ecotourism program will focus on sports tourism and ecological protection, but this will be anchored on community development and sustainable ecotourism principles.
With the assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry, a people’s organization was created after several residents of the island attended a series of community workshops last July.
The organization was named Buri Island People’s Association, which is composed of representatives from the fisherfolks, women, senior citizens, people with disability, and transport groups from the barangays of Estaka and Cabugawan. The organization will be registered with the Department of Labor and Employment.
It will be the one to lead the implementation of the ecotourism project on the island. They will be assisted by the City Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Information Office and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
“This initiative primarily aims to create alternative livelihoods for the people of Buri Island while instilling environmental consciousness and pride of home.” Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said.
Buri Island is gifted with white sand beaches. It is located 10 kilometers away from the city’s commercial district. It is connected to the mainland by an embankment that serves as a bridge in crossing the sea.
Mayor Tan also said that the tourism development is a focus of her administration, and one of the priorities is to make the city as one of the best tourist destinations in Samar Island and in the region.
Source: Philippinenewsagency