July 31, 2009
by: striker_jem
Butuan – The 2.5 million peso allocation from the Department of Tourism for the implementation of Butuan City’s Agusan River Development Project falls short of budget.
City Tourism Officer Ayeth Guno said the construction of 1 boat costs a whooping 1.5 million pesos.
However, after 2 pump boats were launched last May, it remains on dock and not yet operational.
The newly acquired two 30 seater Agusan River pump boats is currently being improved to provide convenience and comfortability to local and foreign tourists on river cruise along Agusan River.
According to City Tourism Officer Ayeth Guno, the bottom has been changed into a plastic fiber glass for durability; the floors and seats will be upholstered, and it will be equipped with sound systems and own comfort room.
Furthermore, the boat’s design was not patterned to Balanghai contrary to what people are expecting and Ms. Guno explained that Balanghai boat was designed for traders and is not tourist friendly because it doesn’t provide the comfort compared to the Agusan River pump boats the city government build.
It is to be recalled, that it was announced by Caraga Region’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) and Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano during his visit in Butuan that a total of 2.5 million was allocated through DOT Regional Office for the immediate implementation of the Agusan River Cruise Development Project.
It was envisioned by the Secretary to produce another tourist attraction activity in Butuan,
replicating the world famous Loboc River Cruising of Bohol.
To date, the City Tourism Office has yet to come up with an operational plan in managing the Agusan River Cruise while the City Tourism Council are studying the possibilities whether to turn-over the projects’ full management control to the City Economic Enterprise or to a private sector.
“The city government is planning to construct wharfs that will serve as waiting areas for those who will experience river-cruising and rest assured, once operational the River Cruise Project will attract more tourists and Butuanons will have their chance to enjoy a one of a kind historical cruise”, Ms. Guno added.
- Dole launches employment projects
- QUEST with Pupils
- Army overran communist rebel camp
- Rural road Renews Farmers’ Faith Food Production
- Drayber giluba sa 3 niya ka pasahero
- MILF declares suspension of military activities
- Filinvest Land Q1 profit up 21% on strong sales
- Pasko Fiesta sa Probinsiya ng Sultan Kudarat matutunghayan ngayong buwan ng Disyembre
- Armm gets P4.5M for agrarian beneficiaries
- MMHG launches first General Assembly in N. Cotabato
- Sarangani DepEd 18th foundation anniversary
- GenSan’s Giant Tuna on Bandila
- Gabby Lopez opens ABS-CBN’s 7th Pinoy Media Congress for Students
- Zambo del Sur MNLF Co-op’s Aquaculture Income Gets a Boost
- DepEd Official
Subscribe to this comment's feed
