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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hataman wants 'Boracay of Basilan', Lampinigan Island, declared an ecotourism site

Hataman wants 'Boracay of Basilan', Lampinigan Island, declared an ecotourism site

Published Feb 23, 2023 10:15 am

Did you know that there are white sand beaches in Basilan in Mindanao?

Boracay in Aklan, arguably the crown jewel of Philippine tourism. Congressman Mujiv Hataman says there are similar white sand beaches in his province of Basilan down south. (Unsplash)

One of these are in Lampinigan Island, and House Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan lone district Rep. Mujiv Hataman wants it to be declared an ecotourism zone.

Having it declared as such will fast-track the development in the area and boost Basilan’s tourism industry, Hataman said.

For this purpose, the veteran solon filed House Bill (HB) No. 7159, or the “Lampinigan Ecotourism Site Act".

Lampinigan Island is one of the jewels of Basilan tucked within the jurisdiction of the province’s capital city of Isabela, and boasts long shorelines of fine white beaches.

“The island is a premier tourism spot in Isabela City that is being frequented by thousands of visitors both foreign and local every year. As far as white beaches go, Lampinigan Island is said to be one of the best white beaches in the country, at par with more popular ones such as Boracay Island,” the measure read.

“Lampinigan Island can be so much more given the right development. This bill is envisioned to develop the tourism hotspot as a world-class destination by declaring it as an ecotourism zone,” it added.

If passed into law, the measure mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned government agencies to prioritize the protection and development of Lampinigan Island.

“Within one year from the approval of this Act, the DOT, DENR, local government of Isabela City in coordination with the district representative of the lone district of Basilan, and other concerned government agencies and civil society organizations, shall formulate the Lampinigan Ecotourism Development Plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in Lampinigan Island,” it read.

It also provides that the said development plan ensures the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

The measure also calls for the establishment of a Lampinigan Ecotourism Board to be chaired by the city mayor of Isabela and will have officials from the DOT and DENR as co-vice chairpersons.

Related Tags

ecotourism basilan Mujiv Hataman boracay
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