Group pushes for ecotourism initiatives in Romblon town

Some concerned private individuals in Romblon town seeking to develop the ecotourism potentials in their municipality have recently banded themselves together. In a letter to Romblon mayor Leo Merida, scuba driver and Switzerland-based Albert de Joya thanked the mayor for attending the informal meeting of the group last November. De Joya also revealed the following "wishlist" to Mayor Merida:

1. An official status of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Romblon Municipality;
2. A status report or plan of action regarding the restoration of the forts and other identified historical landmarks;
3. A guideline, listing the necessary procedures, for the formation of a non-government organization as recognized by the Local Government Unit pursuant to Local Government Codes;
4. A letter of endorsement from the Mayor's office recognizing the group's temporary tourist information office in RIBC; and
5. An updated street map of the Municipal town and the whole island for the group to base their tourist info guide flyers they plan to produce.

The group is also requesting for a "meager" budget for the initial six months of operation of the Tourism office. They also requested for a field trip to ocular some of the important tourist sites in the island(s) for the purpose of inventory and, if necessary, protect the same from further exploitation. The group is hopeful that working hand in hand with local leaders, they could initiate a community-based environmental preservation, a step essential for a successful eco-tourism program.