SUMMARY
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ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines – Businessman and former Zamboanga del Norte representative Romeo Jalosjos has presented to Mindanao development officials his plan to develop a tiny island off Dapitan into a P1.7 billion ($38.42 million) 7-star island resort.
Jalosjos, owner of Dakak Beach Resort and a known political kingpin in Zamboanga Del Norte, said the plan includes the construction of an airstrip in Aliguay Island that can accommodate 24-seat planes.
“Planes can transport tourists directly from Dumaguete (City), which is 5 minutes away, or from Cebu (City), which is 15 minutes away, or from Bohol, or even from Singapore,” Jalosjos said in his presentation to Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.
Antonino lauded the project. “The only way that we can develop Mindanao as a tourism destination is to show that our sites are developed and world-class,” she said.
Unbelievable or doable?
Jalosjos plans to build 200 casitas or units on one side of Aliguay, which has fine white sand beaches. The plan also includes the construction of a clubhouse with an infinity pool, a 100-room hotel, a mini-mall, and function halls.
To make the island self-sustaining, Jalosjos said a 5-megawatt (MW) solar power source will be built and the residents of the island, numbering less than a thousand composed mostly of fisherfolk, will supply the resort with fish and handicraft for souvenirs.
A part of the island will also be reserved to the general public. A harbor will be constructed for tourists with yachts.
A lot of Dapitanons are apprehensive about the project which they deem “unbelievable,” including Vice Mayor Ruben Cad, but Jalosjos insists that it is “doable.”
Jalosjos said he has foreign business partners who are now working with 4 banks to finance the Aliguay initiative.
“So far our biggest problem is not money, but the advisories of other countries relative to the peace and order situation in Mindanao. That’s why we need the help of Secretary Antonino,” Jalosjos said.
Antonino assured him that the government wants to turn Mindanao into a tourism destination, beginning with Dapitan.
Development plans for Dapitan include the expansion of the Pulauan Port to accommodate bigger ships, the construction of grain silos, and expansion of roads leading to the port.
Antonino said the MinDA development plan involves the integration of all ports, airports, and commercial and municipal ports in Mindanao.
“It’s physically possible [because] we have the money. That is what’s good with daang matuwid (straight path) because we’ll have lots of money.”
Daang matuwid or straight path is the Aquino administration’s campaign against corruption.
Jalosjos was convicted in 1997 for raping an 11-year-old girl but was freed in 2009. In 2002, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction with finality. He is barred from running for elective office. – Rappler.com
$1 = 44.25
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