DOT-8 accepts applications for grant under Phase II of GREET program
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism regional office is now accepting applications for grant under the agency’s Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Employment in Tourism (GREET) program.
Tourism Sec. Ace Durano has approved Phase II of the GREET program and DOT-8 is now accepting applications from qualified beneficiaries, said Karen Tiopes, DOT-8 regional director, in a recent interview.
Three of the six beneficiaries of Phase I of the GREET program in Eastern Visayas have already completed their ecotourism projects, Tiopes said.
She said the three beneficiaries that already completed their projects were the Surfriders Club of Eastern Samar that is based in Borongan City; the Basey Tourism Services Association of Basey, Samar; and the Cambaro Cave Protectors and Farmers Association in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
The Surfriders Club had availed of a P100,000 grant for the purchase of surfing equipment for use in their surfing school in Barangay Bato, Borongan City.
The Cambaro Cave Protectors and Farmers Association also received a grant amounting to P100,000 for its tour guiding, food and beverage, accommodation and souvenir shop project in Cambaro, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
A P230,000 grant was likewise given to the Basey Tourism Services Association for its Community Based Sustainable Tourism Project, which calls for the construction of a floating restaurant going to the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey, Samar. The river cruise has already been operational since May last year.
Another beneficiary of the first phase of GREET in the region was the Himokilan Tourism Council of the island barangay of Himokilan in Hindang, Leyte, where a motorized banca would be constructed for use at the Himokilan Island. With a P100,000 funding the tourism council would also develop a mini park and resort with cottages and telescopic viewing deck
Francis Cardona will also receive P100,000 for project BSRP, Panalaron Canteen and Catering Services at Das-ay River, Barangay Panalaron, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte where he would construct a floating restaurant mounted on a bamboo raft for picnics and for catering services.
Joel Piano of Ormoc City will also receive P100,000 for the construction of colorful wooden boats intended for rent at the picturesque Lake Danao in Ormoc City.
The unfinished Phase I projects are expected to be completed this January or in February, Tiopes said.
She said that unlike in the first phase that included individuals, this time under Phase II the recipients are only community-based organizations or associations, she said.
“Now we are really trying to have more beneficiaries in Region 8, and the distribution would be throughout the region,” she said. “Last year we did not have (project) approval for Northern Samar, Samar and Biliran.”
Tiopes said beneficiaries of Phase II of the GREET program will each receive a P100,000 grant.
The GREET program has been conceived to enhance the livelihood opportunities preferably for promising young entrepreneurs who can best explore the inherent tourist drawing potentials of these sites which can readily be sources of income within their respective protected areas.
As an economic strategy, the GREET program is geared towards enhancing the quality of life of the community where the protection of its environment must be of paramount importance. (VEN LABRO)
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