Davide Vows to Improve Potable Water, Health, Power in Bantayan Island

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has vowed to improve access to potable water, health services and power supply in Bantayan Island off the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland.

Davide attended the first Bantayan Island Business Summit at Sta. Fe town on Saturday.

The summit was organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government.

Bantayan Island is composed of three towns, namely, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos, with different economic thrusts.

Sta. Fe is strong in tourism, Bantayan in poultry and agriculture, while Madridejos is focused in fishing and aquaculture.

Davide said he will develop the airstrip in the town into an airport within his second term as governor.

Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said he was optimistic that Davide could realize the airport project during his term.

Esgana called for cooperation between Sta. Fe and two other towns that make up Bantayan Island to boost each other’s economies.

“We, at Sta. Fe, can support the farming and fishing sectors of the other towns by marketing and patronizing their products. In a way, they will also be able to support the tourism industry here,” he said.

Esgana also called on national government agencies to cut red tape in the processing of papers of investors in Bantayan Island.

Esgana cited a Swiss company that bought an eight-hectare property in Sta. Fe two years ago to build a high-end tourism facility there, but was able to secure all their permits only recently.

Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi added there is a need to create policies which are applicable to all local government units.

He said there should be a roadmap for the whole island that could be used for the three towns’ executive and legislative agenda. (PNA) LDV/EB/EBP