SiCaT project to boost tourism, economic growth in 3 Cam Sur towns
By Jordan Kurt Domingo
BUSINESSMAN-economist Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez is spearheading a tourism-oriented development initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Siruma and neighboring coastal towns through adventure tourism, private-sector investments, and community participation.
“The ongoing activity in Siruma is focused on tourism,” Rodriguez said, describing a development initiative under the SiCaT growth area project, which brings together Siruma, Calabanga, and Tinambac as interconnected destinations for tourism and economic activity.
To advance the initiative, Rodriguez has tapped private-sector partners, including American investors and a Pakistani businessman who have expressed interest in participating in the planned ventures. The project has also gained the support of the local government leadership and business community.
Among the attractions being developed in Siruma is paragliding, which will allow visitors to experience the town’s scenic hills from the air. Entrepreneurs involved in the venture are planning to establish a training school for enthusiasts interested in powered and unpowered paragliding, opening opportunities for both beginners and experienced adventure seekers.
The tourism development plan also includes water-based recreational activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and other water sports. These attractions are expected to broaden Siruma’s tourism offerings and encourage more visitors to explore the coastal municipality.
Rodriguez said tourism-related activities were already being undertaken this October in time for the town’s Oktoberfest celebrations. Beginning next year, Siruma is expected to introduce a new annual festival designed to complement its emerging tourism destinations.
He declined to disclose the details of the planned festival, saying he did not want to preempt or expose the initiative. He said, however, that the long-term objective was to establish a sustainable annual celebration supported by tourism activities that could attract visitors throughout the year.
Under the proposed arrangement, the local government unit will take responsibility for security, public safety, and cleanliness to ensure that the area remains safe and welcoming to tourists. Rodriguez, meanwhile, intends to help local tourism stakeholders organize themselves into an association capable of managing tourism-related activities and eventually taking ownership of the town’s festival.
He cited his experience in Siargao, Surigao del Norte, where he provided resort operators with guidance on organizing and managing a festival. He plans to apply similar lessons in Siruma by helping local tourism stakeholders develop the skills and organizational capacity to run their own events.
Rodriguez said the tourism initiative could help improve the economic prospects of Siruma, a fourth-class municipality, by generating new livelihood opportunities and encouraging investment. He sees tourism as a potential driver of growth that could help the town advance economically.
Under the SiCaT concept, Calabanga and Tinambac are also expected to benefit by providing complementary services to tourists visiting the three municipalities. The towns are envisioned as partners in a shared growth area, with their respective tourism and economic activities reinforcing one another.
Improved road connectivity is expected to support the initiative. Rodriguez cited the ongoing construction of the Quezon-Bicol Expressway, particularly its TR-5 segment, as a development that could make travel to the area more convenient once completed.
Despite existing road conditions, better connectivity is expected to improve access to Siruma, Calabanga, and Tinambac, helping bring the three municipalities within easier reach of tourists and investors.
Through the SiCaT initiative, Rodriguez hopes to position Siruma as an emerging adventure tourism destination while ensuring that local communities participate in and benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the industry.
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