Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants to strengthen the tourism industry of Dinagat Islands after it was hit hard by Typhoon Odette in 2021.
“Kaya’t hindi lamang ang pag-recover ng mga nasira, mga building na kagaya nito at ‘yung mga nakikita natin na nasira noong Typhoon Odette, kung hindi mayroon na tayong plano para sa tourism industry ng Dinagat,” Marcos said.
[Translation: It’s not just the recovery of those that were damaged, but we also have a plan for Dinagat Islands’ tourism industry.]
The province suffered over ₱1.1 billion in agricultural damage and nearly ₱2.8 billion in infrastructure and facilities.
Dinagat Islands Rep. Alan Ecleo said last year that they need over ₱3 billion more to reach full recovery from the typhoon.
Marcos assured the province that it is included in the government’s connectivity efforts, such as putting up an airport and maximizing the use of sea ports to give easy access to local and foreign tourists.
“Dinagat, medyo isolated nang konti kaya’t kailangan natin gawan ng paraan para unang-una maganda ‘yung sa airport, ‘yun ang pinaka-madali,” the president added.
[Translation: Dinagat is a bit isolated, so we need to find a way to make the airport beautiful first, that’s the easiest.]
