P84-M to be set aside for ComVal’s destinations

THE PROVINCIAL government of Compostela Valley is planning to set aside P84.070-million to develop key tourist destinations.

In the province’s presentation last week to the Regional Development Council, the provincial government bared it is planning to develop the Amakan Crater, Rafflesia site, Miyaya Falls, Pyalitan Falls, Tagbibinta Falls, Marangig Falls, Mainit Sulfuric Waterfall Hotspring, Lake Leonard and Salvosa Falls.

Of the total proposed budget, about P18 million is to be used for the improvement of Mainit Sulfuric Waterfall Hotspring in Brgy. Mainit, Maco, which would cover the establishment of three downstream sauna baths, 10 concrete benches and side pathway.

This will also include the establishment of two toilets, two bathrooms, rehabilitation of existing open cottages, dormitory-type cottage with four accommodation rooms and one function hall, one tribal long house, 10 small tribal-inspired hillside cottages and viewdeck.

The provincial government is also proposing to develop Lake Leonard in Brgy. New Leyte, Maco, which would need a budget of P12.220 million. The proposal includes construction of trails, concrete steps, five cottages, lake boardwalk, jetty, four bathrooms, one tribal long house, solid waste management system and viewdeck.

Christine T. Dompor, senior tourism operations officer of Compostela Valley, said the plan is part of their proposed Compostela Valley agro-ecotourism wellness loop, which are projected to help boost tourism receipts, increase awareness on conserving and protecting the environment, spur investment opportunities and strengthen market connectivity.

“The Compostela Valley Agri-Ecotourism and Wellness Loop is a 50-kilometer road corridor that stretches from the Davao-Butuan National Highway and Mawab junction in the municipality of Mawab to the highlands of the municipalities of Maco, Maragusan and Pantukan,” Dompor said.

“The highland loop hosts the province’s major agriculture, ecotourism and wellness destinations,” Dompor added. The entire loop, the provincial government said, is proposed to cost P175 million.