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BANTON 2003 – MASTER PLAN |
FUNDING
Funds
are of course needed. The
Municipal Government should try to squeeze some budget in its coffers for
this project. Provincial-funded projects should, for the next two years at
least, be supportive of this endeavor. It should also try to seek help
from the national government and the Department of Tourism for some
financial and manpower support. The
umbrella organization should try to seek donations from benevolent
Bantoanons. Bantoanons have proven that the Sanrokan Spirit is within them
in Balik-Banton, Fiesta and Biniray celebrations. These are basically
short-period affairs with short-term returns and benefits. What more with
these long-term project that promises long-term returns? The organization,
if given authority by the municipal government, should also realize some
funds in the accreditation system. Promotional materials may also be a
source of funds. Bantoanons
outside of the islands may also start forming up a corporation whose
primary purpose is to conduct business in the island. This is one way by
which we can pool the resources of Bantoanons. Given a credible
leadership, the corporation may be able to pool a huge sum of money.
Should Bantoanon investors prove a little jittery, the cooperatives are a
good vehicle where we can pool funds. The multi-awarded Banton
Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (BMPCI) may have no second thoughts
supporting the project as it is not only going to hike their capital base
but it will also benefit their existing business ventures. Business
establishments in Banton who will directly benefit from the project should
be convinced to give their share. COORDINATION
WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE
The
tourism industry is now being pushed by the provincial government as one
of the alternative industries. In the coming Sanrokan 2002, a convention
of concerned Romblomanons spearheaded by the Romblon Discussion List -
Cultural, Livelihood and Educational Assistance for Romblon (CLEAR), it is
pretty much sure that the tourism opportunities will be brought out.
Province-wide strategic plans may be developed. The
municipal government and its partner organization or the private sector
should be actively involved. We’ll find so much leverage if this becomes
a province-wide endeavor. A
REMINDER
Paradise
it will become to tourists. But it may be paradise lost for the Bantoanons
especially the children. Presently, they frolic in the waters
knowing no limits and no boundaries. They swim, they fish, they dive and
they boat in the waterworld they know nobody owns. Those freedoms enjoyed
by the Bantoanon child should, therefore, not be taken from them. Special
ordinances should be put in place to protect these freedoms. There are no
substitutes for these freedoms. These freedoms are one of the reasons why
Bantoanons are Bantoanons. |
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