The Iloilo River Esplanade, a linear park by the river, is being eyed as an educational eco-tourism hub.
The Iloilo City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO) proposed a tourism development project entitled “Iloilo City Eco-Trail: A Showcase of Rich Biodiversity and Environmental Protection.”
This will be in a partnership with the University of the Philippines (UPV) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
CHED OIC-Deputy Executive Director for International Affair Staff (IAS) Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla said the project may be funded under the CHED IAS’s Study in the Philippines Program (Education and Tourism).
The program aims to position the Philippines as a higher education and study destination hub while supporting the revitalization, and intensifying the convergence with the Tourism Sector.
The CHED official, however, noted that they only provide grants to higher education institutions (HEIs) as the main project proponent.
Milla advised CTDO head Junel Divinagracia to coordinate with UPV and submit the proposal.
The project, she said, will be included in the list of proposals to be considered for funding in 2022, subject to the review and recommendation of the StudyPH Consultants/Vetting Panel.
Milla said the project has a great promise of transforming the Iloilo River Esplanade into an educational eco-tourism hub, highlighting the city’s achievement in embedding environmental protection in its overall master plan community.IMT/Photo by Carlos Parcon
