Gwen considers Japanese proposal for Cebu

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she was considering the proposed “island eco tourism plan” of Cebu based on the study conducted by a Japanese national.

Katsuyoko ‘Katz’ Matsuura, a professor of the University of San Carlos (USC), showed Garcia a scientific study that could steer Cebu into becoming an ecological park.

She said Camotes have improved a lot since the province’s tourist program started but also said that the development should not result in the destruction of the island’s natural resources.

“That is what makes the eco tourism proposed study by Matsuura appropriate because we don’t want to lose the features that make Camotes enchanting,” she said.

Matsuura said he would be willing to sit down with Garcia if she found the study interesting.

Garcia also wanted the  Camotes Island’s power shortage problems addressed to keep up with influx of visitors in the island.

“The rates of electricity here is much higher. For now, we have to live with it but we have to undertake steps in the future to make consumption and production more efficient,” said  Garcia during  the Suroy Suroy in Camotes yesterday.

Garcia also lauded the local government officials and the island’s residents for making the island “bloom.”

Garcia said she told San Francisco, Camotes Mayor Aly Arquillano to brace for the upcoming development boom in Camotes.

“I told him proper regulation of the tourism industry and good legislation will be needed,” she said.

She cited the completion of the airport in Camotes as her priority for the year. /UP Masscom Intern Peter L. Romanillos