ILOILO CITY – The provincial government is eyeing a river cruise to boost tourism in Antique.
Gov. Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao and Juan Carlos Perlas of the Antique Provincial Tourism Office have inspected the Malandog River in San Jose de Buenavista, the provincial capital, where the river cruise will be implemented through the Malandog River Rehabilitation and Development Project (MARIREDEP).
Cadiao said that the initial plan is to have a floating restaurant for visitors and locals to enjoy the serene river.
Perlas said it will generate community-based tourism similar to the river cruise in Roxas City, Capiz.
The Malandog Homeowners Association will be the pioneering community-based tourism organization to implement the river cruise.
“The provincial government will give them assistance and guidance,” said Perlas.
“We should use this as a venue to promote our tourism, but let us keep it as what Antique should be – laid-back, clean, and environmentally friendly,” added Cadiao.
The river cruise was proposed as the country marks National Tourism Month.