Expanded tourism destination introduced in Kalibo

A Boracay-based tourism magnate has partnered with the Kalibo Save the Mangrove (KASAMA) for the introduction of a new tourism destination in this Ati-atihan town.

KASAMA president Allen Quimpo said Wednesday in a press conference that they welcome the partnership of Ariel Abriam. Abriam owns several successful Boracay investments namely the Boracay Beach Club, Ariel's House and Ariel's Point in Buruanga.

Even though he is only starting the new endeavor, the KASAMA, which is an organization of mangrove farmers, is already ensured of revenue worth P100,000 monthly.

"The KASAMA will continue its effort in mangrove reforestation projects while Abriam is on the business and marketing side of the mangrove," said Quimpo, a former congressman of Aklan.

Among the planned new facilities to be developed in the mangrove area at Barangay Old Buswang here were boardwalk trail, bamboo rafting, kayaking, swimming, clam culture, crab culture farm, Green Charcoal Briquette Making, Shingles Making, Native Cabanas, Tamilok Eating Demonstration and native delicacies.

The Kalibo Mangrove Eco-Park has won awards from the United Nations for its initiative. From a wetland area, it has become a sprawling habitat of mangrove forests.

In the past 23 years, it has already been planted with 1.6 million mangrove trees in 250-hectare area. In 2013, it has registered 33,000 tourists both foreign and local to have visited the area.

"We are hoping to get more share of tourists with 40 flights daily at the Kalibo International Airport. Some 15 of them come from different countries," said Quimpo. (