Banton 2003 Calendar

INTRODUCTION

The attached brochure promoting Banton as an eco-cultural tourism site should, without a doubt, convince us that indeed, it has so much potential. What the brochure presents are merely what we have now and we know that most of them are not yet developed. Yet, we see that Banton can already offer what other tourism sites offer, and probably more.

Other than the beaches and the other natural attractions, we offer something more that most likely will catch the interest of both international and local tourists especially the backpackers (tourists who love adventure but do not have the financial resources as the classical tourists; their demands and standards are not that high; you see them lodging in third class hotels, riding as regular paying passengers). Banton can offer them a unique culture and a colorful history as attested by some structural remains, the Guyangan caves, and the treasures displayed in the National Museum – the ikat cloth and the wooden coffins. More so, as one of the recognized ethnic groups in the country, we are an interesting people – a small community with its own language, people in a tiny rugged island of mountains and rocks yet home to many successful people that include national figures such as Gabriel Fabella, Cornelio Faigao and if you may, Leonardo Festin.

What more if we develop these sites including those not mentioned in the brochure but nonetheless possess good potentials? What more if we couple this with a calendar of festivities, cultural activities and even sportsfests?

This paper basically presents a framework for us to maximize Banton’s potential as an eco-cultural tourism site and thus help prop up the local economy that for so long has depended so much on the national government. It is hoped that we will not only capture a slice of the market of foreign tourists or tourists from other provinces but more importantly the thousands of Bantoanons who reside outside of the island and who rarely come home. It is hoped that a consistent and sufficient volume of people will then attract investments and spur economic activity in the island.

It also presents insights to address concerns on transportation, communication, food supply and accommodation.

This paper is, at the most, a work of one person who does not claim to be an expert but with a vision and a genuine desire to help Banton move forward, with occasional consultations with close friends and relatives. Thus, it does not claim to be perfect. It has to come out though to start a discussion and hopefully, eventual action. This paper will actually be forwarded to the Sangguniang Bayan of Banton and the Office of the Mayor for their consideration.

Finally, it hopes that we can fully launch Banton as an eco-cultural tourism site in January of 2003, hence the title – BANTON 2003.

About Banton Brief History People Language Culture Music Literature Barangays Tourist Sites Historical

Contents

About Banton
   Brief History
   People
   Language
   Culture
   Music
   Literature

Barangays

Tourist Sites
   Historical Sites
   Beaches
   Caves
   Parks and Lanes

Festival and Events

News and Views

Message Board

:: BANTON 2003 – MASTER PLAN

INTRODUCTION
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITES
CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
FACILITIES
ORGANIZATION
FUNDING
PLANNING
CONCLUSION


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