Quarterly News...

BANTON 2003

The Banton 2003, a project to develop Banton as an eco-cultural tourism site has been started. The Executive Committee has been formed, composed of young and enthusiastic individuals representing a new breed of Bantoanon leaders here in Metro Manila. The organizational support structure is now in place. A discussion group in the Internet known as the Yagting Discussion Group, put up primarily to support the project, has come alive with at least thirty-five subscribers as of this writing. At least ten Bantoanon groups have also expressed their support.

The Municipal Mayor has also endorsed the project. A grand launchng of this endeavor is slated on August 25.

The primary objective of the project is to help strengthen the local economy by maintaining a continuous flow of people in the municipality throughout the year. The general thrusts, according to market segments, are as follows:

• Local Residents: Keep them in Banton especially during vacations
• Bantoanons Outside of Banton: Make their visit to Banton longer, more frequent and with their whole/extended families
• Tourists: Entice them to come to Banton

As a general strategy, the target market segment shall be made parallel to the preparedness of Banton to accommodate tourists (other than Bantoanons) so as not to disappoint them and also to maximize the economic gains from this endeavor. Hence, the target segment for the Year 2003 shall initially be the Bantoanons residing in and out of Banton. In line with the general objective, however, Bantoanons will be encouraged to make their visit home in scattered times throughout the year rather than in one particular period considering that the bulk of people coming home in one particular period causes a lot of inconveniences that discourage them to come home more often or bring their whole family.

The project is spearheaded by socio-civic-minded individuals and non-governmental organizations in partnership with the municipal government. Management of the projects shall be gradually transferred to the business sector with the NGOs and the municipal government providing only the support. The period of transition shall be three (3) years, at most.

This project is a big one, probably ten-fold bigger than the grandest Balik-Banton we ever had. The Executive Committee is calling for the support of Bantoanons from all walks of life and Bantoanon organizations, as well. 

Mga kasimanwa, rungga nato sinra. Bulig-bulig kita. Badaw-badaw kita. Kali’y para sa kaaundan it tanang Bantoanon – kaanduang pangmarugayan.

MUSICO RUNS FOR STATE HOUSE