An
island-province created in 1992, Guimaras has a land area
of 60,457 hectares and a population of 141,450 (2000 census).
Lack of employment and other economic opportunities are
major problems. Income classification is 4th class, and
poverty incidence is 29.6% in 1997 and 22.6% in 2000.
The provincial
government embarked on a 3Ps, or Private-Public Partnership,
program focused on developing the tourism industry. Features
of the program are cultural heritage preservation, environmental
protection, and economic empowerment.
To
institutionalize the program, ordinances were enacted and
policies issued, including the Provincial Environment Code,
the Comprehensive Provincial Tourism Ordinance, and the
Provincial Agri-Tourism Master Plan. In process is the Provincial
Investment Code.
Infrastructures
for tourism support services were set up, including water
and power systems, guest assistance centers, and the Guimaras
Trade and Information Center.
Offices
and social structure were established, such as the Provincial
Economic Development Office, municipal tourism offices,
barangay tourism councils, and tourism-related groups.
Community
and industry groups were organized to participate in planning,
marketing and promotion, and other initiatives. Tourist
attraction activities included community-based heritage
tours and barangay, municipal, and provincial festivals.
Investments
in the development of resorts had so far amounted to P408
million, mostly from Guimaranons themselves. The program
had generated more economic opportunities and income. Tourist
arrivals increased by 39% in 2002, and 13.3% in 2003. Tourism
receipts were P49.8 million in 2001, P106 million in 2002,
and P128.3 million in 2003.
Guimaras is now out of the
Club 20, the list of most depressed provinces.
