Mga Sano/a .....
More articles !!!
:'(
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Vol. LLI No. 006: Sunday, June 4, 2006
Province to take over Choco Hills
The provincial government will soon take over the management of the much-criticized Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen town
The move was adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) through a resolution which was approved during last Monday’s regular session of the provincial law-making body chaired by Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera.
The SP adopted the recommendation of the tourism committee that the terms and conditions of the takeover shall be drafted by the Provincial Legal Office.
Provincial Board Member Corazon Galbreath, chair of the SP tourism committee said that the move was arrived at after a series of consultations which indicated the need to privatize the management of the complex, considering mounting complaints on poor management, including the lousy service at the complex restaurant.
The latest complaint was on the defective traffic management which put to risk the safety of tourists on board vans and tourist buses. However, the quick intervention of PNP Provincial Director Arturo Evangelista addressed the matter after he deployed strict traffic cops.
The provincial board also approved the committee’s recommendation that the Provincial Planning and Development Office finalizes the conceptual development plan for the complex.
Galbreath said that the twin moves of the provincial lawmakers were designed in order to improve the services at the complex which the Carmen LGU has failed to deliver based on comments and reports gathered by tourism authorities here.
She said that it is about time that the province will take over the complex to thresh out matters affecting the complex’s operation and management.
The call to privatize the complex was contained in Resolution No. 06-2006 of the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) which has received various complaints on poor management.
Kag. Galbreath said that the results of the various consultations and meetings conducted by the committee were indorsed to the provincial SP and to the complex Technical Working Group for action.
It was learned from the lawmaker that the Carmen LGU has been managing the complex after an interim MOA was signed with the provincial government during the term of then Gov. David Tirol. The said MOA allowed the Carmen LGU to operate the complex for a year. However, this MOA has been overlooked after the one-year management expired, she concluded.
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Vol. LLI No. 006: Sunday, June 4, 2006
SAVE THE CHOCOLATE HILLS
Let’s face it, we have not treated the Chocolate Hills royally.
We mean, let’s be frank and state that such a nature “jewel†that is often foisted among the world’s natural wide-eyed wonders has not been given its due. We mean the Carmen Beauty is flanked by a restaurant whose cuisine can be beaten by most metropolitan building canteens and a hostel that is worse than some pension houses in the DOT list. We mean smelling urinals and narrow, dangerous roads. It’s been a crying shame.
At least, the first step in addressing these eyebrow-raising ironies has been taken by the Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan chaired by the incumbent Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera. That step is for the Provincial Government to take over the management and operations of the Chocolate Hills Complex before going privatization, as a final journey.
The Carmen municipal government is not in the league of running world-class entities as the Chocolate Complex. Some town officials there will rage against the move but step aside sirs, you have been given enough time to prove your managerial acumen. You have been weighed and found wanting. Every tourist and his uncle has a gripe to say about the Hotel Complex while we spend millions in our foreign reserves to tell the world: Come visit the Hills.
Insiders claim there is lack of transparency in financial matters on the complex to the detriment of tourists’ interest and the chagrin of our tour industry players and the Department of Tourism as well. Enough is enough.
We credit the political will of the SP and some Capitol officials who have ignored the political consequences of such a move in favor of the higher interest of the province and Boholanos in general.
But we postulate that “less government†is still better. And the Provincial Capitol will be better off handing over the eventual control of the Chocolate Hills Complex to the private sector. Government always has the natural handicap of budgetary constraints, civil service rules and lack of continuity.
Indeed how can a forward planning of the Complex be realistically pursued when the government is always hounded by cash deficits? How can it hire the best minds with its tight “salary limits?†How can it execute long-term plans with local elections held every three years which could lead to changes in the officialdom manning the complex?
The Capitol in cooperation with the Provincial Tourism Council should now map up a strategy and timetable for the eventual privatization. A government–run tourist unit (even under the Philippine Tourism Authority) can not match the exemplary management style and capitalist fervor of for instance a Shnarila Hotel or Plantacion Bay or the property skills of the owners of the Panglao Nature Island Resort and the Bohol Beach Club.
The Provincial Government, in statesman like humility, must realize the limits of its capability in running diverse affairs. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Take over the Choco Complex and the privatize.
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Vol. LI No. 102: Sunday, May 14, 2006
PNP takes action on Choco traffic
SAFETY FIRST. PNP Prov'l Director Arturo Evangelista (inset) personally took the cudgels to ensure safety of tourists by checking the reported congestion at the winding road leading to the Chocolate Hills Complex.
PNP Prov'l Director Arturo Evangelista took the cudgels to finally solve the traffic mess at the Chocolate Hills complex which put to risk the lives of tourists visiting the world famous destination in Buenos Aires, Carmen town.
Reacting to reports, Col. Evangelista ordered last Friday Carmen PNP station commander Insp. Milanio Artiaga to deploy cops mainly tasked to enforce the ban on parking along the narrow winding road leading to the complex.
The action of the PNP official came after management of the complex failed to strictly enforce the order made by Acting Mayor Josil Trabajo banning parking along the road.
Last Thursday, only one lane of the winding road was left to moving traffics as vans and buses were again allowed to park on the roadside, putting at risk guests onboard outgoing and incoming vehicles.
Trabajo, who was first informed about the traffic mess, assured the Provincial Tourism Council that he will deploy personnel to man the traffic. In fact, the acting mayor worked out for the establishment of a parking area at the foot of the hill as he admitted that there is risk.
He assured that only 20 vehicles (vans/cars) will be allowed to park at the complex, in excess of which will force management to implement a "drop-off" policy wherein tourists will be asked to disembark while the vehicles will park at the foot of the hill. The drivers will be advised to go back to the complex once the tourists are ready to depart. A paging system will soon be installed by the Carmen LGU which is managing the complex.
But, Trabajo said pending the setting up of a paging system, he will equip his tanods with handheld radio for communication in manning the traffic at the parking area.
However, the ban on parking was again violated last Thursday.
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Vol. LI No. 102: Sunday, May 14, 2006
Choco hotel still not being used
WASTE OF MONEY? Will this P30 million two-storey Chocolate Hills Hotel and Restaurant be functional within the next few weeks? The local officials should make strong request to the Commission on Audit to inspect edifice so it can be turned over to the provincial government.
The two-storey hotel at the Chocolate Hills complex remains padlocked. The facility has not been turned over to the provincial government.
The hotel which was inaugurated last year awaits turnover after the Commission on Audit (COA) central offices in Manila has failed to inspect the building.
The hotel has 8 rooms and a function hall at the ground floor which can accommodate 200 persons. The project was completed after former DOT Secretary Dick Gordon released P20 million since the construction was left unfinished by then Rep. Isidro Zarraga until he finished his third term as congressman of the third district.
Commissioner Guillermo Carague, chair of the Commission on Audit was requested to send an inspection team in order for the project to be turned over to the provincial government.
In his letter dated May 12, 2006, Provincial Tourism Council Chair Peter Dejaresco told the COA commissioner: "Considering that a substantial length of time has passed since its completion and the same has not been used or made serviceable but merely padlocked and seemingly left to the elements without regular keep-up, might lead to the deterioration of the building without having served its purpose.
Carague was requested to deploy an inspection team the "soonest possible time" as the PTC is mandated to oversee the tourism industry in the province citing that the hotel can easily be accommodated with guests who wish to stay at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town.
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Vol. LI No. 102: Sunday, May 14, 2006
LET'S TAKE TOURISM SERIOUSLY
"Do not put the cart before the horse" is an old adage that dates back to ancient history. If one does that, the cart ain't moving – much ado about nothing – and certainly, one will not go towards any direction.
Meantime, the horse is puzzled by the imbecility of the act. Sometimes, the animal thinks that he has got more horse sense than some men.
Sadly, that's what's happening to Bohol tourism. For the province does not suffer from lack of pretty tourism jewels or glib-tongued sales persons from the public and the private sectors who can twist the neck of any jaded tourist to look towards the direction of Bohol.
The problem lies in the fact that the two phenomena have recently lured a summer record-breaking number of tourists to Bohol that has alarmed the Bohol Tourism Council. Biting off more than it can chew – is one way of graphically showing it – since it seems we are not ready to accommodate the Great Leap Forward of tourism.
For instance, the Chocolate Hills' narrow winding road is often littered with parked cars, making it a virtually one-way street. The Carmen LGU must police the place better before any accident happens that will make the Choco Hills tour a risky proposition, Goodbye tourists, then?
What is worse, despite palliatives of the provincial government, the rest rooms at the Choco Hills complex is an abomination. The hostel building is an eyesore and virtually no one will recommend the food and service at the food restaurant of the complex. These infirmities do not do justice to the top billing of the Chocolate Hills as one of the world's greatest wonders. The Eighth Wonder of the World – we wonder seriously.
Why we suffer these shameful amenities while the government spends millions of dollars to advertise and promote Bohol abroad is a "puzzlement" as the King of Siam says. Even the venerable horse is now shaking its head.
The Chronicle has always argued that "less government" is always better in most things. Government is a poor businessman and the operations of the Choco Hills complex should be given to the private sector. Governor Rico Aumentado had always wished to privatize the complex – but wishes will not come true if one does not have the political will to implement. Oftentimes the major decisions are made in consideration to their impact on the interests of the town mayors who are the best point men during elections (2007, if it happens).
This is truly unfortunate since political consideration is taking precedence over economic decisions that would have benefited the larger community.
Likewise, the Loboc River cruise is getting too congested due to the immense popularity and the paucity of riverboats. Now lunch is delayed for two hours which is not the best way to go when one is in a Rest and Recreation mood. No less than PTA General Manager Dean Barbers and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza were the latest victims of this inconvenience although hundreds had earlier suffered the same fate.
Better management at the Loboc River is being sought. However, the long-term correction will still come from the supply side if this was looked at as an economic problem. The Abatan River Tour and the soon-to-start Inabanga Fisherman's Wharf are two alternatives that have been long time in coming – that will improve the supply side.
There are three equally important items that the Tourism Council noted in its meeting last Thursday. One is the lack of standardized rates for tourist vans – causing confusion and disgust of the public. During the Holy Week, unscrupulous van operators reportedly asked for an exorbitant P4,000 trip to the Chocolate Hills – double that of the usual P2,000.
Two, are complaints against unsanitary hotels, resorts and pension homes that have poor rest room facilities, unclean towels and lousy service. Boy, that's a sure thing to drive tourists away from Bohol. Aside from that, resorts in Panglao are starting to increase its tag rates for room rates, which if unchecked will one day make Bohol not competitive. There ought to be a common standard for this for the industry's own sake.
Third, there is a lack of fine dining facilities even in the city. We should aggressively invite the entry of known restaurateurs in the city to follow the famous Gerry's Grill and the plans of Max Fried Chicken and Café Laguna.
Progress, they say, sows its own seeds of destruction. And success always invites competition and weed out the lesser outfits. That's given.
These are fine thoughts but the Tourism Industry is too precious and crucial for Bohol's development to be subjected to mere philosophizing.
Let's get our acts together – in cooperation and goodwill – before the next provincial pretender to our crown as most preferred destination catches us with our pants down.
Now, that's not very photogenic.
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Vol. LI No. 100: Sunday, May 7, 2006
Strict limit on parking at Choco starting today
Only a maximum of 18 vans or cars will be allowed to park at the Chocolate Hills complex starting today in order to avoid road accident especially at its narrow winding road leading to the complex.
Acting Carmen Mayor Josil Trabajo told the Chronicle yesterday that he will assign traffic aides to control the traffic in the area amid complaints on the risk when vans park alongside the narrow winding road leaving only one lane for both upcoming and exiting vehicles.
Trabajo, who took immediate action on the complaint said that handheld radio will be used by the traffic aides while there is no paging system. He said that tourist buses are strictly not allowed to park at the complex.
Once the parking area is full, drivers will be advised to just drop-off their passengers and park their vehicles at the foot of the hill where an improvised parking area will be set up by the Carmen LGU.
"We can't afford accidents to happen here," Trabajo said as he immediately formed a task force yesterday afternoon which will start to operate today. He personally witnessed yesterday the congestion of vehicles alongside the narrow winding road which he admitted makes it very risky for tourists.
Trabajo is serving as acting mayor while Mayor Pedro Budiongan is serving a three-month suspension order issued against him.
The action came after the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFETTO) led by Nonette Bolo was alarmed on a near road accident involving a tourist bus and vans lining up the narrow winding road as half of the road was filled with parked vehicles.
Prov'l Tourism officer Baby Balio personally visited the complex last Tuesday to request the Carmen LGU to immediately attend to this urgent concern.
Expressing concern on this development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through the initiative of PB Corazon Galbreath, chair of the tourism committee, passed last Tuesday a resolution requesting the Carmen LGU to immediately implement a "drop-off" policy on vehicles bringing in tourists.
Acting Mayor Trabajo said that the LGU will negotiate today with a lot owner whose lot is situated at the foot of the hill to be used as a parking area especially this peak season.
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Vol. LI No. 099: Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Risk up due to congestion at Choco Hills Complex
Motorists are highly prone to accidents if management of the Chocolate Hills Complex will not regulate the parking of vehicles at the said complex atop the developed hills in Carmen town.
Reports reaching the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) bared two near-accident situations as vans and coasters were parked at the side of the road leading to the complex.
A head-on approach of outgoing and incoming vehicles is most likely to happen as the risky one-lane parking is allowed along the road.
An incident wherein a tourist bus maneuvering up the single lane tailed by four vans was quite risky and would eventually cause an accident.
The PTC made urgent representations with Gov. Erico Aumentado and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to prohibit parking of vehicles at the complex and instead instruct drivers to drop off guests while all vehicles should park at the foot of the hills and wait for calls to pickup their passengers at the complex.
Gov. Aumentado dispatched Prov'l Tourism Officer Baby Balio yesterday to inspect the site.
At the provincial SP, Prov'l Kag. Corazon Galbreath, chair of the tourism committee got the support of her colleagues ordering the LGU-Carmen to prohibit parking at the complex and regulate the traffic by allowing vans, buses and coasters to drop off their passengers and park at the foot of the hills.
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Vol. LI No. 069: Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Choco catering services probed
"Unauthorized" catering at Chocolate Hills complex restaurant is now under probe by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
This came after Board Member Ester Corazon Galbreath brought up the matter during sessions Monday saying that the management of the complex accommodated wedding receptions that practically deprived tourists restaurant services.
"This poses a big problem because the restaurant is supposed to serve tourists. There are times that LGU Carmen is accepting reception during lunch time," SP tourism committee chairperson Galbreath lamented.
The SP has approved Galbreath's move to also refer the matter to the committees on ways and means and government properties chaired by Dionisio Balite and Amalia Tirol, respectively.
The scenario has greatly contributed to the burgeoning tug-of-war between the provincial government and Carmen town officials over the management and ownership of the complex.
Recently, the provincial government opposed Carmen's plan to enforce the new entrance fees based on its approved Revenue Code No. 8, series of 2005.
Carmen Mayor Pedro Budiongan yesterday said the town is set to implement P25 per adult and P10 per child as entrance fees to the complex on February 2006.
He said that the old rates of P10 and P5 per adult and child, respectively, were already impractical considering that the said rates were imposed in the early 90s yet.
Budiongan explained that what they are about to impose is anchored on the said code. He said that the code was submitted in August 2005 for review by the SP but no statement has been issued on the matter.
He said that based on the "reglamentary" period prescribed by the Local Government Code (LGC), it is deemed approved.
WHO OWNS THE
COMPLEX LOT?
The mayor said that the lot where the complex is located is claimed by the provincial government based on a Provincial Resolution.
But it is still questionable because there were no other documents such as Deed of Donations executed by the donors to prove that it is owned wholly by the province. He said that few individuals own the complex's lots.
He said that a portion of the said lots were once owned by the Malaran family but the family donated it to the fiber industry agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) since the area was intended for the plantation of "maguey." The said lot is now donated to the Municipality of Carmen, he said.
The officials were informed that the said area, including the hill where the complex stands, was eyed years back by the DA, that reportedly owned the area. The project, however, was not realized. The said site used to be abundant with maguey, he said.
Only recently, Carmen town was able to secure the document through the auspices of then Agriculture Secretary Arthur Tan. And the latter (Yap) handed to Carmen the said document prior to his resignation from Arroyo's cabinet. (RVO)
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Vol. LI No. 068: Sunday, January 15, 2006
Pre-feasibility study on Bohol Tourism Plan bared
MICHAEL ORTEGA LIGALIG
The Pacific Consultants International Philippines, Inc. has outlined its pre-feasibility study on the planned six tourism clusters of the province.
In a project presentation at the Bohol Tropics Resort Thursday, PCIPI has identified strategies for the province's tourism development plan.
PCIPI says the pre-feasibility study is aimed at "enhancing existing tourism assets (of the province) and developing new infrastructure and (building) a world-class tourism facility that is environmentally and socially sensitive and sustainable."
Following are the six circuits and their corresponding tourism strategies.
Circuit 1 is composed of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands, Sevilla, Bilar, Loboc, Loay, Albur, Baclayon and Tagbilaran. These areas should develop their beach resorts and enhance marine tourism.
For Circuit 2, which is composed of the Abatan River Watershed Area, Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbi-an, San Isidro, Corella, and Sikatuna, the strategy is to put up nature and heritage tours and provide accommodation for tourists.
The towns of Bien Unido, Trinidad, San Miguel, Dagohoy, Sierra Bullones, Pillar, Alicia, and Calos P. Garcia, classified as Circuit 2, are deemed best for eco-tourism and agri-based tourism activities.
Northern Bohol towns – Loon, Calape, Tubigon, Clarin, Danao, Inabanga, Buenavista, Jetafe and Talibon – are grouped as Circuit 4. These places are advised to concentrate on their beaches.
Identified as Circuit 5 are Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, which should bank on the presence of the Chocolate Hills through nature tours and outdoor recreations.
For Circuit 6, composed of the towns of Anda, Mabini, Candijay and Guindulman, eco-tourism and marine recreation have to be the center of their tourism development plans.
PCIPI intends to, among others, "organize a technical working group and tourism councils in the towns; review of relevant information materials; classify tourism development attributes; and conduct consultations and workshops to define key concerns and local capabilities for tourism activities, livelihood opportunities and local business."
The company will also "develop financial and economic factors of the identified priority site, projects and programs; develop a marketing and promotions program for specific sites and clusters; recommend solutions for the resolution of land disputes, community concerns and human factors conflict; and provide a proposed program for community capability building for business, trade and livelihood involvement."
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Vol. LI No. 068: Sunday, January 15, 2006
Choco entrance fee hike blocked
The mulled increase of entrance fee to the Chocolate Hills Complex is not likely to get the approval of the provincial government.
Gov. Erico Aumentado said he was surprised of the "un-announced" decision of Carmen officials to increase the entrance fee from P10 to P25
"The provincial government is not notified about this proposal," he said.
"The province has to know about any fee adjustment," the governor said.
He said Carmen should not impose any increase without coordination with the Capitol since the provincial government has a stake in the Chocolate Hills Complex.
Under existing agreement, the province has a 30% share and Carmen town, 70%, in the income from and expenses for the complex.
The complex has been under fire by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for huge financial looses but Carmen had denied the allegation.
Board member Corazon Galbreath, chair of the SP tourism committee, yesterday told the Chronicle that she would oppose to the entrance fee increase because there was no prior consultation with the provincial legislators.
She said it is a basic requirement that any adjustment in government collection should first be approved by the provincial board.
"Besides, the increase is too much," Galbreath said.
Local tour operators have also raised their eyebrows on the proposed increase, saying it is not healthy to Bohol's tourism industry.
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Vol. LI No. 049: Sunday, November 6, 2005
Durano inaugurates Choco Hotel
Tourism Sec. Joseph Ace Durano Friday said where projects are concerned, the Department of Tourism (DOT) "still owes" Bohol.
Speaking as guest at the blessing and inauguration of the P10-million Chocolate Hills Hotel and Restaurant in Carmen town Friday afternoon, Durano said the completion of the project is a dream come true.
"Progress is about building on past successes," Durano said. He released the second P5 million for the project started during the time of his immediate predecessor, now Sen. Richard Gordon, who released the initial P5 million.
Despite the completion of the eight-room hotel of international standard, the tourism secretary said his department still "has debts" to Bohol.
He has committed but has not forwarded DOT's share for the Bohol Tourism Master Plan (BTMP) for which the Pacific Consultants International (PCI) won the bid at P9.5 million – half a million less than the P10-million cap.
Gov. Erico Aumentado said with the adjustment, DOT's share is down to P2.9 million instead of P3 million. Bohol's three congressmen – Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala stand to share P1.4 million each instead of P1.5 million from their respective Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDIF).
On the other hand, the provincial government takes up the slack of P2.4 million instead of P2.5 million.
"Then there is still the Panglao International Airport. I need to ensure its implementation because it is the commitment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make it operational before the end of her term," Durano said.
The secretary also gave Rep. Edgar Chatto, chair of the House Committee on Tourism, an idea to market the hotel.
"One big market is the wedding market," he said.
Entice the Japanese and Koreans to wed or renew their wedding vows at one of the hills.
"Such wedding – or renewal of vows on one of the hills would be one romantic, exotic and unforgettable experience," he said.
The Japanese and Koreans are known for their being adventurous. Scuba divers among them have exchanged vows underwater, he observed.
Aumentado thanked Durano for building on the accomplishment of Gordon. Work was done by administration for which the governor congratulated Engr. Edwin Vallejos, head of the General Services Office (GSO).
"All this became possible because of the support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," Aumentado added.
The governor will shortly issue an order assigning the Municipality of Carmen as administrator of the new hotel.
Room rates stand at P1,200 a day but it will not receive guests yet until the staff shall have undergone training. He tasked the Bohol Tourism Office (BTO) under Oroncia Balio to conduct the training.
Aside from Chatto, Jala, DOT Undersecretary for the Visayas and Mindanao Phineas Alburo and Bohol's Provincial Board members among others, also attended the occasion.
PB member Ester Corazon Galbreath, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on tourism, introduced Durano.
For his part, Carmen Mayor Pedro Budiongan Jr. expressed gratitude that the hotel has been finished at last. The restaurant on the ground floor has wide glass windows to ensure unimpeded view of the surrounding hills. The rooms have hot and cold water on both shower and bath.
Meanwhile, the Chocolate Hills Complex has 11 other rooms. Airconditioned rooms good for three persons cost P800 a day each. Clients have a choice between P800 and P600 a day for other aircon rooms good for two. Extra beds cost P200 each.
It also has two non-aircon rooms at P350 a day with extra bed at P100 each.
Hotel guests get to use the resort swimming pool free of charge. For details, prospective guests may call 0919-680-0492.
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Vol. LI No. 045: Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tourism master plan down to P9.5 million
The cost of the tourism master planning for Bohol is down to P9.5 million.
This after Pacific Consultants International (PCI) submitted its bid vis-Ã -vis the agency contract price of P10 million.
With the half-million-peso cut, Gov. Erico Aumentado im-mediately informed Tourism Sec. Joseph Ace Durano that the Department of Tourism's (DOT) counterpart funding can now be reduced from P3 million to P2.9 million.
At the same time, the counterpart funds of Reps. Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala of Bohol's first, second and third districts respectively will now be set at only P1.4 million each instead of P1.5 million.
Aumentado informed Durano and the three congressmen that the provincial government will pick the tab for the remaining amount – P2.4 million instead of the P2.5 million.
The governor also requested Durano to turn over the DOT counterpart to the province "so that we can finally award the contract."
"The release of the Saro [special allotment and release order] will already suffice to award the contract," Aumentado wrote Durano.
To note, the Provincial Bids and Awards Committee headed by lawyer Handel Lagunay has recommended the awarding of the contract to PCI that will be assisted by Pacific Consultants Philippines.
Under the terms of reference of the master plan, Bohol's 47 towns and one city will be clustered into six tourism circuits.
This means from the current "focus" on Panglao Island's beaches, the Baclayon church and museum, the Loboc River cruise and "domesticated" tarsiers, the man-made forest in Bilar and the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, the rest of the clusters will also be developed, making the whole province the tourism destination.
Aumentado said he reposes deep trust in the winning bidder. PCI, he said, developed the tourism master plans of Bali in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand and Camcun in Mexico.
Durano is expected to be in Bohol on Nov. 4 as guest of honor and speaker during the celebration of the birthday of the late President Carlos P. Garcia, the greatest Boholano statesman and patriot.
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Vol. LI No. 040: Sunday, October 2, 2005
World-class restrooms urged
The growing tourism clientele of Bohol, particularly the Japanese market, has strongly criticized the poor restroom facilities in the province's prime tourist stops, and this has alarmed Gov. Erico Aumentado who came from a successful sales blitz in Nagoya and Tokyo, Japan last week.
Together with the tourism private stakeholders, Aumentado called an emergency meeting with six municipal mayors where the prime tourist destinations are situated to discuss how to expedite the construction of world-class restrooms.
The Bohol sales team received several criticisms from the Japan tour operators regarding tourists' complaints on unsanitary restrooms particularly at the world famous Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River cruise.
He told the mayors that while getting an approval rating as a good destination, Bohol failed in providing the much-required world- class restrooms which tourists would always look for in any destination.
Present during the meeting were Carmen Mayor Pedro Budiongan, Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, Baclayon Mayor Benny Uy, Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, Dauis Mayor Luciano Bongalos and Sagbayan Mayor Jimmy Torrefranca.
The governor told the mayors that the province is ready to put up with a counterpart funding for these restrooms which he wants to be realized by next year since Japan has picked Bohol as its prime destination in 2006.
The governor has formed a task force to inspect these three top destinations, namely, the Chocolate Hills, and Loboc River Cruise and the Baclayon Church/Musuem. Industry player likewise included the Blood Compact as a site in need of a modern rest room since this is the first stop-over in the famous "Bohol Countryside Tour."
Designated to head the task force to inspect the sites is Hermes Caseñas, representing the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFFETO). A representative from the engineering and health departments of the provincial government will be included in the task force.
A standard design for these world-class restrooms will be used in the three designated areas.
Meanwhile, the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, which is no longer included in the itinerary of tourists, will be surveyed.
Bongalos was asked to make representations with proper government agency for the famous cave with underground water to be inspected whether it is still an "active cave."
Several complaints have been received regarding the sanitation at the area.
The mayor was also asked to look into the request of expanding a portion of the existing Dauis causeway which poses hazard and sanitation problem as well.
The area is the alternative entry to Panglao Island for guests going to Panglao Island Nature Resort in Bingag, Dauis.
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Vol. LI No. 008: Sunday, June 12, 2005
More discrepancies found in Choco Hills management
MIKE ORTEGA LIGALIG
Fresh suspicions of corruption in the non-earning Chocolate Hills Complex (CHC) crept in Monday after the Sangguniang Panla-lawigan committee on tourism uncovered discrepancies in the CHC's operations.
This comes even as the province's supposed cynosure for tourism attraction continues to be a target of criticisms for the complex's lousy appearance.
In a six-page report by the SP committee on tourism chaired by board member Ester Corazon Galbreath, the committee un-covered "discrepancies" in the 2004 CHC financial report, based on the findings by assistant provincial accountant May Limbaga.
"The remittance did not conform with the computation prepared by the auditors," the SP report, presented during last Monday's session, said.
The SP body had found that some P46,000 of collection of entrance fees remains unaccounted for.
On the CHC's operations in March 2005, the committee questioned its high fuel cost amounting P8,000, which "(had) no proper procurement plan."
The SP body was surprised to have found what it called a "skyrocketed" total operating expenses of the restaurant and hotel amounting P266,164, out of CHC's income of P405,537 in March 2005 of which PP95,869 was allegedly paid for taxes, duties and licenses.
But, "the bulk of merchandize sold in the restaurant were purchased in non-vat registered stores," the committee pointed out.
It says the CHC management, in its monthly report, did not comply with certain provisions stipulated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the local government of Carmen and the Capitol, who is partly owner of the complex but has no idea how much its shares of income over the years.
Galbreath's committee further found that the CHC management "lacks control and supervision over its employees."
In its scathing recommen-dations, the SP asked Carmen Mayor Pedro Budiongan, who, along with other Carmen officials, has been facing corruption charges, and were ordered arrested twice by the Sandiganbayan in Manila, "to investigate and (find) solutions to the mismanagement in the CHC."
The Provincial Legal Office, for its part, citing the gaping miscarriage in the CHC, said there is a need "for an immediate takeover" of the complex.
Early of this year, there have been calls for privatizing the complex but have since been shelved or were clouded by other efforts for tourism promotions.
Meanwhile, those who attended the committee meeting on May 30 included Galbreath, board member Amalia Tirol, Bohol Tourism Office head Baby Balio, Limbaga, Mae Mosqueda of the Office of the Governor, Budiongan, CHC in-charge Fulgencio Paña, Carmen municipal accountant Hermosila Logroño, municpal budge officer Taciana Espejo, CHC bookkeeper Ester Villasquina, and CHC operations manager Narciso Toribio Jr.
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Vol. L No. 100: Wednesday, May 4, 2005
P6.5M for Choco proj, master plan
MANILA.- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has approved the release of P3 million for the completion of the Chocolate Hills Hostel.
Gov. Erico B. Aumentado announced Wednesday that Tourism Sec. Joseph Ace Durano has approved the release of the funds in June.
At the same time, the governor revealed that the DOT has likewise committed to contribute P3 million for the preparation of the Bohol Tourism Development Masterplan intended to accelerate the province's tourism development.
During the meeting between Aumentado, Durano and first district Rep. Edgar Chatto, the governor explained that the provincial government will be contributing P2.5 million as its share for the tourism masterplan, while the three congressmen, Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala will be putting in P1.5 million each for the project, estimated to cost P10 million.
He said that Pacific Consultants Inc. has already prepared the terms of reference of the project. PCI earlier did the tourism master planning of Bali in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand, Cancun in Mexico and Peru, among others.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Tourism Authority has approved Resolution No. 04-13-05-4.1.d authorizing it to appropriate funds for the construction and development of the Panglao Island Airport.
The funds will be taken from the P3.6 billion Boracay Multi-Modal project.
Aumentado said that out of the said amount, P3.2 billion will be allocated for the Panglao Island Airport Development project, while the remaining P4 billion has been earmarked for Siargao Island.
Relative to this, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to sign an executive order (EO) directing the development of the Panglao Island Airport in Bohol and for the PTA to provide funds.
In the draft EO, the president pointed out that the DOT and other government agencies have deemed it appropriate to prioritize the development of the Panglao Island airport "in order for the said facility to accommodate aircrafts that will bring in tourists to Panglao Island as an alternative island beach destination to Boracay."
On the other hand, Aumentado met with PPA general manager Oscar Sevilla to discuss the P196.5 million Tagbilaran City Tourist Port expansion and construction of the boardwalk and marina, which the latter has committed to fund.
During the same meeting, they also discussed on the additional reclamation of the Tubigon port and the construction of the port by-pass route. (Angelica J. Sanchez/League Of Provinces Of The Philippines)
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Vol. L No. 076: Wednesday, February 9, 2005
Carmen holds over Choco management
The Carmen municipal government is on a holdover capacity in managing the Chocolate Hills Complex which will soon be taken over by the provincial government.
This was the decision reached during a committee hearing where Carmen Mayor Pedro Budiongan and other Carmen officials were in attendance last Monday.
Prov'l Kagawad Amalia Tirol, chair of the committee on government properties said that the holdover management of the Carmen LGU is pending the formulation of the take-over proceedings including the putting up of works on what the province will do once the management will be under the provincial government.
Together with Tirol were Prov'l Kagawad Corazon Galbreath, chair of tourism committee, Prov'l Kagawad Dionisio Balite, committee on ways and means together with Prov'l Kagawads Concepcion Lim, Godofreda Tirol, Imboy as members.
Galbreath, for her part, said that several discrepancies on the Choco Hills management caused the proposed take-over as the complex has generated several criticisms from the public.
The financial condition as well as its physical condition are highly questionable, according to Galbreath who insisted that the Carmen LGU should respect the points stipulated in the memorandum of agreement signed by the Carmen LGU and the provincial government.
The province gets 30 percent of the gross while the bigger portion of 70 percent goes to the Carmen LGU. However, the Carmen government has violated the policy that it should shoulder the payment of wages for employees. Instead, the Carmen LGU has taken the wages from the gross before giving the province the 30 percent share.
The conditions of the complex deserve a "world class" developer and management, stressed Kagawad Lim.
An audit ordered by Gov. Erico Aumentado is being awaited by the three committees before the final takeover will take effect.
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