ADB supports Palawan tourism devt project

THE Asian Development Bank ( ADB) is working with the Department of Tourism ( DoT) in preparing a tourism development project that will ensure a sustainable environment for El Nido and Coron in Palawan.

ADB earlier identified the areas as two localities requiring investments in environmentally sustainable urban facilities and marine environment protection in anticipation of higher numbers of tourists visiting the islands.

“Palawan is known as the country’s ‘ last ecological frontier’ and we want to ensure its rich marine ecosystem, particularly in

El Nido and Coron, will be protected amid the rapid growth in tourist demand,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo- Puyat said.

According to ADB, it will support the DOT- led program by offering solutions and financing to address the immediate need for vital urban infrastructure and services, such as solid waste management, drainage and sanitation, and clean drinking water in El Nido and Coron.

ADB will also help build the capacity of local stakeholders to protect and conserve healthy oceans and rehabilitate key biodiversity- based tourism sites.

The project is planned for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2020.

ADB will also explore innovative funding to local business enterprises and community- based groups for skills and product development, to improve the quality of services in El Nido and Coron.

“This project is critically important for ADB because we share with the Philippine government the goal of seeing local economies thrive on an environmentally sustainable path. Tourism, when managed properly, can be a catalyst for inclusive development that can lift residents of El Nido and Coron out of poverty,” ADB Country Director for the Philippines Kelly Bird said.

A joint ADB and DoT team visited El Nido and Coron earlier this month to hold consultations with local government officials and local stakeholders as part of the preparations in designing the project.

The project is part of DoT’s “Transforming Communities Towards Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Tourism ( TouRIST) Program,” a coordinated effort by various government agencies and local stakeholders in partnership with multilateral development banks in implementing sustainable tourism development in the country. ANNA LEAH E.

GONZALES