The Iloilo provincial government released over PHP183.159 million in assistance for various infrastructure projects, events and activities to boost tourism in local government units (LGUs) down to barangays.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the distribution of the assistance at the opening of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan food festival on Thursday evening.

He also signed Executive Order No. 10 to formally launch the Fun, Foodie, Friendly sa Kabanawahanan for MoRProGRes as a program to develop LGUs as a community venue for tourism events and activities, and as a point of care for tourists.

Defensor said it is widely recognized that everything happens at the level of the municipality and the barangay, being the frontline implementers.

“The point of care for tourists is also in the barangay. We will develop our tourism in the area of food and agriculture, natural environment, and culture and heritage,” he said.

Also to be developed, he said, are infrastructure facilities, capacity building, and partnerships.

“We want to implement this program with substance. So, we will release funds for complete and significant tourism projects of the participating municipalities in the Kasadyahan,” he said.

Defensor clarified that other non-participating LGUs will also receive assistance for them to participate in tourism development.

Data from the provincial government showed that the bulk of the assistance was for tourism infrastructure, amounting to PHP88.78 million, as well as PHP34.13 million for tourism infrastructure in municipalities, and PHP37.8 million for disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, PHP22.44 million was turned over to the municipalities as support for their festivals, where eight performing tribes received a subsidy of at least PHP2 million to enhance their performances in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival Competition.

The assistance package also covered support for the socio-cultural activities of selected municipalities. (PNA)