Officials of the Province of Romblon expressed their gratitude to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for formally initiating the construction of the province’s first-ever Ecotourism Park on Carabao Island—a project under the DOT’s flagship Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC).
Reelected Congressman Eleandro Madrona highlighted the historic nature of the visit, describing it as a landmark moment for the island’s tourism development.
“The presence of Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco today creates an indelible mark in the history of this beautiful island being the first Cabinet Secretary to set foot on it,” the Congressman said in his message, which was delivered on his behalf by Atty. Erwin Fortunato.
Madrona also lauded Secretary Frasco for her consistent high approval ratings in national surveys and for recognizing the tourism potential of Carabao Island and Romblon.
“Promising tourist destinations are everywhere in the province. We have plenty in Tablas Island, in Romblon, Romblon, Sibuyan Island, as well as Gallo Island.”
“The formal commencement of this project today is a clear sign that more are coming to us, not just for Carabao Island, but for the entire province of Romblon. Promising tourist destinations are everywhere in the province. We have plenty in Tablas Island, in Romblon, Romblon, Sibuyan Island, as well as the Gallo Island, which are starting to make their marks in the national as well as international landscape. With our partnership with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and with your indispensable cooperation, I strongly hope that for the next three years, significant improvements in our tourism business will be achieved,” the veteran legislator added.
Romblon former Governor Jose Riano, in his message also delivered by Atty. Fortunato, thanked Frasco for her visit and emphasized the importance of the municipality’s 4th place win in the TCC.
“Congratulations din po sa Bayan ng San Jose dahil kayo ay naka-4th place sa ginanap na Tourism Champions Challenge ng Department of Tourism.”
“Isa pong karangalan para sa ating LGU San Jose na mabisita po ninyo, Secretary Frasco. Maraming salamat po sa pagpunta sa magandang islang ito. Congratulations din po sa Bayan ng San Jose dahil kayo ay naka-4th place sa ginanap na Tourism Champions Challenge ng Department of Tourism noong 2023 at nabigyan ng grant para maipatayo ang Eco-Tourism Park dito,” Riano said, noting that the project will help elevate Romblon’s profile as a must-see destination.
San Jose, Romblon former Mayor Edgon Sombilon, for his part, emphasized the project’s significance for the entire local community, especially for the indigenous peoples’ groups who actively in the planning and proposal.
“Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi lamang para sa pamahalang bayan, kundi para sa bawat mamamayang ng San Jose, lalo na ang ating mga opisyal, pribadong sektor, at mga katutubong IPs na naging katuwang natin sa buong proseso. Muli, maraming salamat po. Patuloy nating pagtulungan ang pagbuo ng isang mas masiglang, inklusibo at masaganang kinabukasan para sa ating mumunting bayan,” Sombilon said.
