Dinagat Islands opens Tourism Center in Loreto town
By Renelle Luzon Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The local government of Loreto, Dinagat Islands recently accepted a two-story Tourism Assistance and Pasalubong Center worth P5 million from the provincial government.
The Tourism Assistance and Pasalubong Center included a lounge area, toilet, an office room, porch, a ramp for persons with disabilities in the first floor, while the second floor has two rest rooms and another office space, two terraces and a fire exit.
This new tourism infrastructure will reinforce the town’s efforts to strengthen its tourism portfolio on culture and heritage as one of the 34 sites associated with the first circumnavigation of the world on March 25, 1521; the historic Loreto landing; and the valor of its four local heroes in the Battle of San Juan during World War II.
According to Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., “Aside from its historical landmarks, Loreto has a lot of potential like Mt. Redondo Natural Bonsai Forest, Linaw Spring, its sand and beaches, among others. Also, the town contributed to the rapid increase of tourist arrivals in the province.”
“With this development, there is a need to strengthen the tourism infrastructure in Loreto so tourists and travelers will have exceptional tourism experience in the province,” he added.
Loreto Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga extended gratitude to the provincial government for supporting local tourism and other economic activities of the town. He committed to preserve the said edifice as a sign of good and lasting cooperation between the provincial and local government units.
Loreto is one of the seven municipalities in the Dinagat Islands with 10 barangays as residents of the 9,690 people in the most current 2020 census.
Meanwhile, the local government unit is also attempting to grow business and tourism as alternate sources of income, with infrastructure construction being a current priority. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
