Four years after the management of Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) has been transferred to the city government of Alaminos, Mayor Hernani A. Braganza expressed satisfaction of what his administration and the people of Alaminos have done thus far in protecting and harnessing the tourism and economic potentials of the marine park.
In his speech during celebration of the 4th anniversary of the turn-over of HINP to Alaminos from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) held at Welcome Center in Lucap wharf, Braganza said that the city have benefited a lot since the historic turn-over.
The city’s eco-tourism has been reinvigorated as the city government has successfully relaunched and put the Hundred Islands back into the world’s tourism map.
This was evidenced by the recent visits of the members of the diplomatic community.
Candidates of Miss Earth Beauties for A Cause, other foreign officials and celebrities also took notice and helped promote Hundred Islands as a wonderful paradise to experience.
Tourist arrival has likewise tremendously increased which means a steady income for the motorboat operators, souvenir shops, hotels, small entrepreneurs and other business establishments even the transport sector in the city.
The influx of tourists even provided new employment opportunities for the people living within the national park that include kayaking, diving and snorkeling business, island tours, catering services and many more.
And once the Alaminos Commercial Airport is fully operational by 2012, tourists are expected to come to the city in droves.
The national park has also contributed much in boosting the city’s economy. HINP has generated an average income of at least P 5 M a year and it goes straight to the city’s coffer.
This income from various fees and rentals will be used in the operational expenses and in improving the services in the said park.
Braganza recalled that having the Hundred Islands back to the arms of the Alaminos government is one of the biggest projects that we have requested from the national government.
Being the official address of the Hundred Islands he appealed that Alaminos will be given the utmost chance to manage and protect its pride.
And Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo granted the request of the city government when she signed Executive Order No. 346 in June 22, 2005.
Braganza thanked President Arroyo for giving Alaminos the full authority, control and supervision of the 1, 884 sq. meter national park for the first time after being managed by PTA for 65 long years.
“What you have witnessed a while ago are among the major thrusts that we have implemented in our city’s coastal water after getting back the HINP,” said Braganza.
He was referring to the skits performed by students from different schools. It depicted the city government’s great resolve to conserve, protect and rehabilitate one of the biggest marine protected area in the country.
He said he declared an all out war against illegal fishing not because he is strict or wanted to earn “pogi (positive) points”.
“We are doing these not to project myself as an environmentalist or a leader with political will," he added. "This is not our intention for our city, the Hundred Islands and environment.”
“We stopped illegal fishing activities for a very simple reason: it is wrong and is destructive to our marine environment."
The hardworking mayor thanked all his reliable partners for throwing their all out support to his administration’s public and order safety and environmental protection agenda.
He expressed his deep appreciation to Alaminos City Police Office (ACPO), 106th PMG, Public Order and Safety Office and the city council for having stood by him in his decision to purge the city from all forms of illegal activities.
He also thanked various organizations, youth groups and students for adopting idle forest lands and mangrove areas for sustainable reforestation and development.
“I congratulate all of you for standing up and caring for the environment,” he stressed.
Braganza said he continue to receive positive feedbacks from local fishermen citing that there is much catch now than before the city stopped illegal fishing.
The city government actually came up with a new activity to show to whole world that bigger and different marine species are now back in Hundred Island.
Ban-oitan Ed Alaminos, the first-ever game fishing competition in the province, will be launched this month to promote legally accepted and sustainable ways of fishing practices.
Ban-oitan, a local term for fishing, is open to all game fishing enthusiasts in the province as well as foreign tourists.
The city tourism office will soon announce the final schedule of the competition as the inclement weather prevented the city from staging it yesterday as one of the highlights of the celebration.
Braganza reminded his citymates that what is wrong and unlawful must not be practiced.
He said Alaminos will never fully attain progress if he allowed illegal activities to thrive in his city.
“We are starting to achieve development we deserve because we embrace changes and used reforms the proper way,” he added.
“With our continued and strong partnership, we will soon realize our collective vision of a peaceful, progressive and prosperous City of Alaminos,” he finally quipped. (CIO)