Marcos eyes developing Dinagat Island's tourism industry

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Friday that he was looking to develop tourism in the Dinagat Islands amid the continuing efforts to rehabilitate the province from the damage brought by Typhoon Odette.

This as Marcos led the distribution of rice in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, which is known for its pristine beaches.

"Kaya’t hindi lamang ang pag-recover ng mga nasira, mga building na kagaya nito at ‘yung mga nakikita natin na nasira noong Typhoon Odette, kung hindi mayroon na tayong plano para sa tourism industry ng Dinagat,” Marcos said in his speech.

(It's not just the recovery of those that were damage, but we also have a plan for Dinagat Island's tourism industry.)

Marcos assured the locals that the province is included in the "connectivity efforts" of the government, which includes the establishment of airports and the use of seaports to allow easy access to local and foreign tourists in the place.

“Dinagat, medyo isolated nang konti kaya’t kailangan natin gawan ng paraan para unang-una maganda ‘yung sa airport, ‘yun ang pinaka-madali,” Marcos said.

(Dinagat is somehow isolated that's why we need to enforce measures, the airport should be good.)  

“Pangalawa, ‘yung Ro-Ro, lahat ng nalagyan ng Ro-Ro nagamit nang husto ‘yan. Kaya’t malaking bagay, mas madali nang pumunta sa Surigao, hindi na po kayo masyadong nahihirapan,” he added.

(Next is the Ro-Ro. It's now easy to go to Siargao, it's no longer difficult for tourists.)

In another event, Marcos also lauded the local government officials and residents of Siargao Island for their resiliency, unity and strength when the island was hit by Odette in December 2021.

“I also want to congratulate ang mga local government officials sa inyong pagbangon mula sa naging damage, naging kamatayan dahil [sa] pagdaan ng Typhoon Odette,” Marcos said.

(I also want to congratulate the local government officials on your recovery from the damage and the deaths due to Typhoon Odette.)

Marcos said he is glad to see that Siargao Island is now slowly going back to its normal state. —NB, GMA Integrated News