Guv seeks more improvement for Aklan province
BY HAROLD A. CASTRO

KALIBO, Aklan -- Two million was allocated to improve the livelihood programs in the province of Aklan for 2006.

Part of this is to improve the agricultural sector and raise revenue through tourism. In the agriculture sector, integrated hybrid rice planting was introduced to the farmers, leading to an improvement in their production.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute introduced the F1 rice, which is presently being used by the farmers. Another priority project is the allocation of artificial coral fish gardens and the enhancement of fish sanctuaries.

In the tourism sector, Aklan governor Carlito Marquez said they are preparing Boracay Island, one of the country's jewels, to become the World's Renowned Tourist Destination by 2010.

They aim to accommodate one million tourists a year, which could earn the province P400 million annually.

To ensure prosperity among the residents, a nursing school will soon rise at the Aklan State University. Another is the conversion of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbocon Memorial Hospital into tertiary level.

It has 186 bed structures and health services that are comparable to other hospitals in the country. Another project is the provision of retirement benefits and infrastructures.

According to Gov. Marquez, the recently concluded Aklan Media Summit is one tool to disseminate information that is essential to the economic growth of the province.

"We are asking the media to channel this information. We hope to bring fruitful solutions to eradicate poverty not only in our province but in the country," he stressed.