MikeLigalig.com

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

“To whom much has been given, much is also required.”

  Bohol arts patron and Rajah Sikatuna Awardee Beatriz Susanna Zobel de Ayala sums up her message in stressing the call to unite some more to protect and sustain the tourism Bohol has started.

  Zobel de Ayala received the award together with Philippine Airlines President Lucio Tan, Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei and Philippine Ports Authority’s Atty. Oscar Sevilla during the 154th Bohol Day.

  The annual award is bestowed upon individuals and institutions who have shown remarkable contribution to the betterment of Bohol and its constituents.   

  Zobel, who had experienced the caves and forests, the communities, the heritage sites and structures, splendid beaches, islands and the angelic children’s choir admitted it is difficult to find all these together in a province.

  But reminding Boholanos not to pollute the rivers and tear down the heritage structures, she suggested to stakeholders instead using local architecture and the local styles to benefit the people of the community.

  Having seen the remarkable changes in tourism arrivals since 2003, she intoned that Boholanos should be reminded that it is not the number but the quality of tourists we should invite.

  Moreover, she said “it is not the quantity of resorts but the quality of service we give.”

  Zobel, along with Ayala Museum and Ayala Foundation has been helping communities in Baclayon, Pamilacan and Dauis to come up with integrated tourism activities to raise the conditions of the people and their communities.   

  In Poblacion Baclayon, the Ayalas help a local heritage conservation group in adaptive re-use of the old houses and transform them into home-stay program venues.

  In Pamilacan, along with Joel Uichico, the Ayalas help the islanders come up with better diving and dolphin and whale-watching package tours to lessen the impact of over-fishing.

  In Dauis, the Ayalas help the community rediscover the value and resources of the Assumpta Heritage Complex so the community could regain the glory of the town and transform the town’s economic landscape.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=14079.0