By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Isabela, Negros Occidental was included among the top three priority area for development by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The designation provides the locality an opportunity to utilize programs and projects by the agency to develop the area into a tourism destination.

Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor said he was informed about the matter by DOT Undersecretary Marco Bautista during a recent visit to the DOT office in Manila.

The mayor said one of his proposed projects was the establishment of an “eco-village,” which would involve 11,000 household and costs P2.5 billion.

In addition, he also voiced interest in a P300 million road network, another P300 million for the development of Holy Mountain, P1 billion for farm tourism activities, and P1.5 million for eco-tourism activities.

Meanwhile, Malabor said the Department of the Interior and Local Government is also looking to provide a development package for the town that would work on hygiene and sanitation with the local water system./DGB, WDJ