The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) is gearing up to construct a solar-powered multi-purpose building on the picturesque Cresta de Gallo Island in San Fernando, Romblon.
The department together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government of San Fernando already conducted an information education campaign regarding the project.
Cresta de Gallo, spanning 4.5 hectares of forest land in the Sibuyan Sea, beckons visitors with its pristine white sands and azure waters. Accessible solely by motorboat from San Fernando, the island offers a serene escape, despite lacking in amenities such as electricity, potable water, and restrooms.
The lack of facilities prompted the local government to embark on plans to enhance the island's infrastructure and amenities.
Jerome Madrona, the Municipal Tourism Officer of LGU San Fernando, envisions the development of Cresta de Gallo as a boon for both the local community and the municipality, potentially serving as a pivotal hub for tourism activities.
While undertaking these developments, government agencies are committed to ensuring sustainability and environmental preservation. Through the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies, authorities aim to safeguard Cresta de Gallo's natural beauty and marine biodiversity.
“This holistic approach ensures that the improvement of Cresta de Gallo not only benefits the community but also contributes to the long-term conservation of Cresta de Gallo's marine biodiversity,” Madrona emphasized.
The island's beautification aims to increase the number of tourists visiting, thereby expanding livelihood opportunities for the residents of the town of San Fernando. It is expected to create new jobs such as tour guides, boatmen, and other related roles in the tourism industry.
