PASPAS GUIMARAS
PASPAS GUIMARAS: HOW THE ISLAND LOOKS TODAY
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Guimaras is one of the island provinces in the Philippines.
Based on my research from various sources such as Wikipedia, Guimaras is located in Panay Gulf between the islands of Negros and Panay. Its old name was "Himal-us" which also mean "Paghimud-os" or "to struggle for survival". This writer does not really know why it was called that way, but the nearest explanation would be - living on the island was a struggle to find sources of food and other resources in order to survive. That's why people have to resort to agriculture and fishing in order to live.
In 1581, Spanish Governor to the Philippines Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa established a settlement on the island under the patronage of St. Peter the Apostle. A few communities were then established like Nayup and Igang, among others.
This sub-province of Iloilo became an independent island province on May 22, 1992. Its first governor was Emily Relucio Lopez. Around 1994, I visited the island as a travel writer/columnist of What's On - a travel guide magazine based in Cebu. My assignment was to interview the Governor but ended up talking to the Tourism Officer Amparo Buncad.
That was the first time I toured the island and saw the infrastructures, agricultural and economic activities, as well as the tourism areas of the island, among others.
Today, October 15, 2022, I come back to the island which vigorously pushed for its development and progress in the late 1990's and called that "push for economic progress" as PASPAS GUIMARAS.
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On this day, I saw, and experienced in person the newest development in Guimaras. It seems that the slogan of the 90's PASPAS GUIMARAS is becoming a reality.
I wish that the construction of the bridge connecting Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo will level up the slogan - PASPAS GUIMARAS - KARASKAS BUGLAS, lol. "Oy, tuod ni...sang una mga 1990's amo gid ini ang gina handum sang mga taga Guimaras kag Negros nga CLUP Team nga matigayon. (Comprehensive Land Use Plan) .... Praying hard for this.
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From Iloilo City port, I was picked up by Mr. Noel P. and together, we took the ferry to Douglas McArthur Wharf at Buenavista. According to history, the port was built by the U.S. Corps of Engineers headed by then Lt. Doughlas McArthur in 1903. Today, the port is called Buenavista after the village or Barangay where it is located. The photos below show the Buenavista Port as it looks today.
A Future Subdivision and Housing Project in Sibunag?
From San Lorenzo, we proceeded to the municipality of Sibunag, specifically we visited Barangay Ravina, one of the 14 Barangays of the town. Ravina is the home of a future subdivision and housing project in Sibunag. Together with Mr. Noel P., we visited the site where available lots are for sale. It is a nice place to build a home.
The entrance to the site is a few meters from the national highway and the whole proposed development project reaches up to the forest area (well not really a thick forest if you would compare it to Kanlaon, Mandalagan-Silay Mountain Range, Central Panay Mountain Range, and Mt. Madja-as?) with a breathtaking view of Guimaras Strait and the neighboring island of Negros.
The site had been strategically divided into several square meters' individual lots. Because of the altitude of the site, each housing unit may experience a breezy atmosphere and a good view of the green forest and the sea. Down below this development site are beaches or beach resorts lining up the coastal area of this town.
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A few minutes ride to the "poblacion" there are several stores that provide the needs of the population. I saw Jollibee. The locals also talked about the coming of Mega World, a big mall or department store, and a bit farther from the area, the possibility of a new development from one of the biggest developers and business owners of a group of companies in the country.
All of these are talks .... but of course, the locals must have heard this from their leaders and government officials. The forthcoming construction of a bridge that will connect the islands of Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo is also a welcomed reality.
Let's hope it will be coming soon.
So, are the buyers of lots in this proposed subdivision and housing project lucky to be surrounded by this future development in the town? Why not, coconut.
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The leveling up of development from Sibunag to Jordan.
Since the day that the island became a province, many changes have happened on the landscape of Guimaras Island.
The road networks have improved a lot, from dirt road to asphalt and concrete pavement. From few economic enterprises or business establishments, the numbers have increased.
I remember that one of the indicators of a progressive town or city is the number of nationally based business establishments that exist or are in operation in the town or city.
Are these business establishments existing in the town?
1. Jollibee
2. Puregold
3. City Mall
4. Gaisano
5. Robinson's
6. Save More or SM
7. Mang Inasal
8. Chow King
9. McDonalds
10. Shipping Companies
11. and many more.
For a city like Iloilo or Bacolod, at least there must be 200 nationally based business establishments that are operating in the town/city. (Around late 90's. Figures may have changed in 2000's onward.)
If Jollibee is one of the biggest business establishments in the country that is present in Guimaras, maybe more will follow. This implies that Guimaras is leveling up in its development and progress.
To refer back to what we (the Land Use Planners in the late 90's coming from both Negros and Guimaras) formulated in the late 90's as Slogans of our respective LGUs, PASPAS GUIMARAS is really alive and kicking up to now. The introduction of subdivision and housing development is another indicator of a vibrant economy and development of the future. I think so.
KARASKAS BUGLAS on my end, I mean, referring to Negros Occidental as Buglas of the past, our province is also kicking up or leveling up to the demands of the future.
The Bridge will create more magic for the three islands in the region. Let us hope for a better future of our respective provinces then.
So, PASPAS GUIMARAS sa gihapon asta malab-ot ang handum sang kada Guimarasnon nga katin-aran sang pinalangga nga provincia. Why not? Coconut! ... haha.
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Henry L. is the face behind Touristang Pobre. He had been a travel writer for What's On in the Visayas and Mindanao, based in Cebu in the 90's. As a former columnist of the Negros Daily Bulletin, based in his hometown of Bacolod, in the Philippines, he tackled major issues on environment protection and conservation, travel and community development, among others. You can also visit his other sites: http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Touristang-Pinoy and Earthniversity at http://www.earthniversity.com
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