PTA tourism infrastructure projects in Mindanao cited

Former Mayor Macauna Pangandaman of Masiu, Lanao del Sur expressed his sincerest gratitude to Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) General Manager Robert Dean Barbers for pouring in developmental projects to Mindanao.

“Consistent with the calls of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for peace and development in this part of the world,’’ said Pangadaman, “the PTA has embarked on strategic infrastructure projects, which no PTA general manager before him has made, pump-priming the local economy of Mindanao.’’

Accordingly, these projects resulted to the growth of small and medium enterprises, job generation, and a robust economic atmosphere benefiting the people of Mindanao. Pangandaman is now a director of Grand Alliance for Reforms, Integrity and Competence (GARICO), a Mindanao based civic organization with 5,000 strong members. GARICO seeks to uplift Mindanao’s communal socio-economic livelihood.

Under the stewardship of the young and dynamic general manager, the PTA initiated the construction of all Tourism Information Offices complete with viewdecks, restrooms and other amenities situated in all congressional districts all over the Philippines. Notably, all the Tourism Information Offices in Mindanao are almost completed, making part of the plan known as “PTA Tourism Highway’’ realized. The latter is aimed to connect tourist sites of one province to another.

Furthermore, this will ensure a convenient and worthwhile land travel of local and foreign tourists.

Apart from this, PTA has been developing major tourist spots in Mindanao. The Kutawato Cave in the city of Cotabato, was refurbished to further enhance its beauty and mystic. The construction of the sixroom hotel in Isabela, Basilan and Jolo Hostel in Sulu has been finished prior to its target date of completion and are ready for tourist occupancy and turned over to the local government units of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

A similar project is in the pipeline for the city of Marawi, Lanao del Sur. Meanwhile, the renovation of Iligan, Heritage Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Muslim people, is being fast-tracked.

“Tourism development need not be stymied while we work for peace,’’ declared GM Dean Barbers. “On the contrary, seen with new eyes for potential, tourism may be utilized as a catalysts for aiding the peace process.’’

[ Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Wiki ]