New infra projects seen to expand Ormoc’s tourism

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Oct. 30 -- The city government here is eyeing more infrastructure projects to support its growing number of tourism activities.

Mayor Richard Gomez on Monday said there is an ongoing effort to expand tourism attractions to provide more reasons to visit the city.

“We have included developing and identifying waterfalls, our mountains for treks and adventures, our mangroves, even our agriculture, in the tourism loop that we are creating,” Gomez said.

One of the ongoing major projects designed to support tourism is the PHP1.3 billion scenic coastal road from San Juan to Naungan villages. The project is expected to decongest traffic and provide “alternative place for locals to enjoy the view of the sea.”

The local government also acquired a property in Naungan village for the building of Tourism Welcome Center. Using PHP11 million local funds, a floating jetty will be set up for the convenience of Air Juan seaplane passengers. Same jetty port will be put up in Lake Danao.

Recently, the city government got an allocation of PHP27 million from the Department of Budget and Management to improve and reforest the city’s plaza, quadrangle, and baywalk.

“We have also invested on cultural awareness among our people, especially the young. We give the workshops so that they can hone their skills -- from dancing to arts. To propagate cultural awareness, we will soon be offering cultural scholarships,” the actor-politician said.

Gomez has been lobbying to host big events in Ormoc such as national and regional sports meet, national World Teacher’s Day celebration, and other major gatherings.

“Every time a huge event is held in Ormoc, money is infused in our economy. Hotels are fully booked, tricycle drivers are happy, our food parks and restaurants are always full, etcetera, etcetera,” Gomez said.

Ormoc, a first-class independent component city in Leyte province and a home to more than 215,000 people, is known for its guitar-shaped Lake Danao, a pristine 148-hectare inland lake surrounded by verdant mountains and invigorating cool air, just a 30-minute drive from the city.

The city is also famous for its “Queen Pineapple”, the top pick for “pasalubong” (gifts for friends at home), Leyte Geothermal Production Field -- the country’s biggest geothermal complex that supplies energy even to parts of Luzon and Mindanao. (SQM/PNA)