“summer fun in biliran” to be launched

NAVAL, Biliran – The provincial government of Biliran headed by Governor Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina, Jr. through the Provincial Tourism Office in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office no. 8 in Tacloban City will launch “Summer Fun in Biliran” on April 17 and 18 this year.

According to Dionisio Oliva, Jr. Provincial Tourism Officer, the two-day launching activity covers the entire island where a lot of natural tourist attractions are found in its eight municipalities.

He informed, the venue of the launching activities is at municipal gymnasium of the island municipality of Maripipi where the famous Sambawan islets noted for its clear and pristine waters is located.

Both Sambawan islets and Maripipi island are promoted jointly by the Department of Tourism and the Biliran Provincial Tourism Office as anchor destinations for the year 2015.

The launching of “Summer Fun in Biliran” in Maripipi town will be attended by media personalities, travel writers, tour operators and other guests from region 7 in central Visayas, region 8 in Eastern Visayas and from Manila which the DOT will be bringing in to Biliran province.

“The activity is a great opportunity to promote the local tourist destinations in the province to domestic and foreign tourists” Oliva said.

With this activity, he said, a rise in tourist arrivals to Biliran is expected. Likewise, it will also raise the level of awareness of tourists that indeed, Biliran province is truly an island paradise that offers a lot of tourist attractions unique from those found in other areas of the county.

He informed that the launching program of “Summer Fun in Biliran” will take place mid-morning after the welcome reception at the Maripipi port by the local officials of the town led by Mayor Uldarico Macorol, afterwhich, the entire entourage proceeds to the Maripipi gymnasium for the ceremony.

Sambawan Island, Maripipi Biliran. Photo by Penny Lloyd Batoto

Part of the activity is the audio-visual presentation of “Summer Fun in Biliran”.

The opening and declaration of “Summer Fun in Biliran” will be done by Governor Gerryboy Espina.

A cultural presentation follows showcasing the rich culture of the Biliranons.

Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran will deliver his message of inspiration during the program.

Director Karina Rosa Tiopes of DOT region 8 will also give her message, inviting tourists and all to the “Summer Fun in Biliran”.

Lunch dubbed as “Fiesta sa Nayon” where native food and delicacies will be offered to guests and visitors immediately follows.

An afternoon tour around Maripipi dubbed as “Lingi-Lingi sa Maripipi” (lingi-lingi means look around) where the visitors will be brought to the Nito Weavers Demo in Barangay Agutay; Candol Beach; Viga Cold Spring; Native Delicacies Demo and Tasting in Barangay Calbani; Pottery-Making demo in Barangay Casibang; Lantawan Tower Ruins in Barangay Ermita; and the Pasalubong and Shell Craft Center. (fjackson, PIA 8 Biliran)