ILOILO CITY – A group of Filipino-American investors will put up a P300-million tourism project in Anini-y town in Antique, a move that could put the province on the country’s tourism map.

The investors, belonging to the Chicago Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce, will develop the Hurao-Hurao peninsula in Barangay San Jose in Anini-y into a world-class tourism destination, said Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez.

Perez said that about 20 investors headed by Dr. Edmundo Relucio would visit the site again this week in preparation for the start of the project.

The provincial government and the investors signed an agreement last May to develop the area.

Hurao-Hurao offers a scenic and pristine beach overlooking the magnificent peaks of Cresta de Gallo. The peninsula is near the famous Sira-an hot springs.

Anini-y, the southernmost town of Antique, is a 5th class municipality and has a population of around 20,000.

“This is a big boost to the province and will bring livelihood and development to our people,” Perez told the Inquirer.

The governor said they would provide relocation and assistance to around 40 families whose properties have been acquired by the investors.

Perez said that because of the project, President Macapagal-Arroyo has assured the fast tracking of the rehabilitation of the Tiolas-Hamtic coastal road. The road was the main route from Iloilo to Antique until a shorter road cutting across San Joaquin town in Iloilo and Hamtic in Antique was opened.

Perez said the original route would be reconstructed because the present national road is vulnerable to landslides.

Antique also launched last month hydro power plant projects in the towns of Bugasong, Tibiao and Laua-an. The 14-megawatt plants are expected to make the province self-sufficient in its power supply needs. The hydro power plants will be the first in Western Visayas.