DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) is set to launch ‘VolunTurismo,’ a program it hopes would attract around 100,000 volunteer tourists to visit Siargao Island and help the islanders in their economic recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
MinDA public relations head Adrian Tamayo said the project aims to encourage more volunteer tourists to come to the island and extend support to locals months after Typhoon Odette ripped through their communities in December 2021.
Tamayo said the soft launch is scheduled for May 5.
“The aim is to encourage tourists, as volunteer tourists, to visit Siargao and enjoy the waves and sand, while also extending support to the Siargao communities through agriculture activities, psychosocial support, community development,” Tamayo said.
He said MinDA wants to help revive the tourism industry in the island, which is the primary income source of the people of Siargao.
He said “VolunTurismo,” a play of words between “volunteerism” and “tourism,” is expected to attract 100,000 tourists who would help the Siargao people recover from the impacts of recent typhoon.
“For one tourist, it can generate support to 10 individuals who are porters, maintain homestay, and provide transportation. That’s the way for a sustainable economic recovery,” explained Tamayo.