Leyte promotes Kalanggaman island tourism

THE Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, remains a priority of the Provincial Government. Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, who toured the island to check its tourism potential, said the province will continue to support the local government unit of Palompon in promoting the island and attracting more local and foreign tourists.

The governor also warned the local government of Palompon to maintain Kalanggaman’s natural resources. Around 300 foreign tourists and 80 crewmembers visited the island aboard cruise ship MV Europa last April. Another cruise ship, MS Bremen of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises of Germany, brought 150 European tourists to Kalanggaman island last May.

In 2012, there were 1,239 foreigners and 10,751 domestic visitors in Kalanggaman, according to the Department of Tourism. Kalanggaman island was chosen as pilot area for Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development.

The program is a collaborative effort between the governments of the Philippines and Canada, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, with the Department of Interior and Local Government as conduit.