The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan is supporting Kalayaan town’s plan to open up to tourists by organizing the “The Great Kalayaan Expedition (TGKex) 2023.”
Kalayaan Mayor Roberto Del Mundo, Municipal Toursim Officer Khenjap Hupanda, and Municipal Information Officer Ariel Carlos attended the recent session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on January 31, where Hupanda said that the TGKex 2023 has been thoroughly planned by various sectors concerned in terms of security and the environment.
“Ang conceptualization po of course ay binuo ng isang competent na Technical Working Group. Ang TWG po na ito ay binubuo ng mga eksperto sa turismo tapos may academe representative po tayo, may eksperto po tayo sa environmental protection and conservation which is ang PCSD at saka meron din po tayong of course sa security. Lahat po ng aspeto ng product na ito ay dinivelop ng hindi lang isang tao kundi ng isang Technical Working Group,” Hupanda said.
He added that a tight security will be imposed all throughout the week-long tour.
“We are in constant coordination po, in fact, ang ATF West po at Coast Guard is an active part ng TWG for the development of this tourism product at ang sabi nga po nila sa amin, there is no greater catastrophe than living in constant fear. So, kung kami po ay patuloy na mamumuhay na may takot ay wala pong mangyayari sa amin. That is why, sinusuportahan po tayo ng Coast Guard, may mga contingency plan po at security plan po na kaakibat ang package na ito,” he added.
TGKex 2023 aims to help the public gain a better glimpse of what the Kalayaan Group of Islands can offer and call for support as it acts towards its goal of becoming the “Center of Adventure for Tourism in Palawan by 2040.”
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Palawan through the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan manifested support to the town in achieving its vision.
Each expedition will last for 6 nights and 7 days, and is scheduled to be conducted in March, April, and May with a maximum 40 slots per tour. The Islands of Lawak, Patag, Likas, at Pagasa are among those included in the itinerary.