Antique provincial government is promoting Seco Island in Tibiao town as a new destination.

The island, which is about a three-hour pump boat ride from Lipata port in the nearby Culasi town, has white-sand beaches and clear blue waters.

“We would like to invite more tourists to visit the area that is still pristine and really conducive for diving,” Provincial Board member Victor Condez said in an interview on Monday.

Condez said promoting Seco Island as among the destinations in the province could help the economy of Antique recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard ensign Fresha Prill Daitao said their agency under their commander, commodore Edgar Ybañez, is committed to ensuring the safety of the island by regular sea patrol in the area.

She said they have a sub-station in Lipata port in Culasi that can extend security in the area, as Ybañez wanted to maintain the safety of the tourists and the island.

“Seco Island is so beautiful but still unexplored by tourists,” she added.

Condez visited the island on Sunday, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the flag-raising ceremony participated by people on the island.

It was also joined by 14 personnel of the PCG and representatives from Tibiao and Culasi towns.

They also planted coconut trees and conducted a clean-up activity along the shoreline. (PNA)