A P20-million food hub in Carles is set to become part of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s broader tourism development strategy.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the project at the Carles fishport is already supported by a supplemental budget and will be developed as both a food hub and a tourism destination.
“Because we have a P20-million food hub in the fishports of Carles. That is not a promise. There is a budget. There is a supplemental budget,” he said.
According to the governor, the food hub is intended to be incorporated into tourism packages in northern Iloilo, with the fishport itself developed as a destination where visitors can experience and enjoy local food.
“Now, the food hub is just one of the facets of the tourism program,” Defensor said.
The project is part of the province’s “Fun, Foodie, Friendly sa Kabanwahanan” tourism program, which focuses on infrastructure, partnerships, and capacity-building for local government units.
Similar developments are also being planned in Concepcion and Estancia, according to Defensor.
Meanwhile, Defensor identified Sicogon as a “laboratory” for the province’s community-based tourism plans. These include strengthening homestay programs, developing local tourism activities, and creating opportunities for residents to participate in the tourism industry.
The governor also said local residents may be trained as tourist guides as part of the effort to provide alternative livelihood opportunities.
Defensor linked the program to the need to provide communities with alternatives to illegal fishing.
“Suppression is not enough. We need an option. So this program is really our solution. This is not easy. But this is our solution. This is our only chance. That’s why we have to make this work,” he said.
The Carles food hub is among the tourism infrastructure projects being pursued by the provincial government as part of its strategy to develop local government units and strengthen community participation in tourism. Carla Eunice Guevara, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
