By Nimfa Estrellado Mauban Mayor Erwin Pastrana presents Mauban's comprehensive tourism and development program at the Kapihan sa PIA Qu...
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| Mauban Mayor Erwin Pastrana presents Mauban's comprehensive tourism and development program at the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon forum, joined by PIA Manager Ruel Orinday and other media personalities at the Mauban Municipal Conference Hall on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Lito Giron) |
MAUBAN, Quezon - Mayor Erwin Pastrana, affectionately known as "Ninong" by his constituents, is making strides in Mauban—literally. Known for taking five steps at a time, his distinctive stride reflects his ambitious, long-term vision for the municipality.
Yesterday, October 2, 2024, at the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon forum, he announced a comprehensive tourism and development program designed to boost economic growth and establish Mauban as a prime tourist destination. This initiative aims to showcase the municipality's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors and creating sustainable opportunities for the community.
"I don't just want to take small steps," Mayor Pastrana explained. "We need to make bold strides if we want to see real progress in Mauban. Five steps at a time—that's the pace we need to set to achieve our goals."
"We are committed to building a Mauban that is safe, reliable, and connected," he added. "This program represents a major investment in the future of our municipality and our dedication to providing a better quality of life for all Maubanin."
This forward-thinking approach is evident in the mayor's recent initiatives. A key component of this plan is to develop Cagbalete Island as the "Boracay of the South," leveraging its pristine beaches and natural beauty to attract tourists and boost the local economy.
"We believe that Cagbalete Island will not only become a renowned island destination but will also help Mauban gain fame as a mainland resort with diverse offerings," the mayor further explained.
Mauban is a coastal municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage. Cagbalete Island and Cagsiay 3 are just some of the places that Mauban is proud to showcase.
Mayor Pastrana also highlighted the municipality's beautiful waterfalls, such as the Ugak Falls, which possess significant potential for tourism development. Demonstrating his commitment to connecting all Maubanin, Pastrana proudly shared that even Sitio Lumatag, the farthest sitio in the municipality, now has access to electricity.
"I understand the importance of electricity for our residents, and I am committed to ensuring that everyone in Mauban has access to this essential service," he stated.
This commitment to providing basic necessities is further underscored by the presence of major energy infrastructure in Mauban, including the power plants of Quezon Power Limited and San Buenaventura, with ongoing construction of a windmill and other energy projects.
The mayor emphasized the substantial revenue Mauban generates from its power plant, highlighting that the local government directly benefits from each kilowatt produced, as mandated by the Department of Energy (DOE).
"We are committed to utilizing solar power to bring light to our bridges and other areas that need it," he stated. "While solar energy will enhance safety and accessibility, the revenue generated from our power plant will continue to be used for the benefit of all my constituents."
Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of Mayor Pastrana's program, focusing on enhancing accessibility and connectivity throughout Mauban. Road improvements and expansions, including the Atimonan to Mauban road, will make tourist attractions more accessible. Upgrades to water and sanitation systems will ensure reliable services for residents and businesses.
Cagbalete Island will not only receive particular attention, but with infrastructure projects like seawalls prioritized to support its growth as a premier tourist destination and enhance coastal resilience. The program also prioritizes connecting bridges, improving road networks, and constructing a modern convention center to further support tourism and economic growth.
This commitment to infrastructure is evident in recently completed projects like the SGLG-IF Project: Slope Protection and Drainage Line Canal in Sitio MCR, Brgy. Soledad, which aims to mitigate flooding and landslides, demonstrating the municipality's dedication to the safety and well-being of its residents.
Environmental preservation is also a key pillar, with the program prioritizing eco-tourism, responsible waste management, and the protection of natural resources to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mauban's environment, particularly crucial for Cagbalete Island.
Furthermore, initiatives will highlight Mauban's unique history and culture, creating authentic and engaging experiences for visitors and ensuring the preservation and celebration of the contributions of Mauban's indigenous people.
To ensure a safe and secure environment for all, public safety will be enhanced through increased police visibility, improved street lighting, and community-based crime prevention programs. Digital connectivity will also be expanded through public Wi-Fi zones and plans to extend reliable internet access to Cagbalete Island, aligning with initiatives like the "Linggo ng Kabataang Maubanin 2024" and the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, which promotes digital payments in public markets and businesses.
This program, developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), promotes fast, safe, and reliable digital payments in public markets, small businesses, and public transport.
"This 'cashless' or 'no contact' payment system helps protect our buyers, vendors, and bystanders from the spread of viruses and bacteria," explained Mayor Pastrana. "It also provides access to financial services like savings, loans, and insurance, while helping to prevent the use of counterfeit money."
In addition to these initiatives, Mayor Ninong highlighted the importance of social services for all residents, "from womb to tomb." He described a new clustered approach to service delivery that brings essential resources closer to the people, with a particular focus on the needs of young and senior citizens.
This approach aims to ensure that all Maubanians have access to the support they need to thrive at every stage of life. He proudly reported that on October 1st, the municipality successfully distributed Social Pension to 2,900 beneficiaries from 37 barangays at the PKM Covered Court.
He specifically stressed that the indigenous people of Mauban will not be forgotten and will be active participants in the development of the municipality. Mayor Pastrana also highlighted the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and promote responsible tourism.
He stressed the importance of community involvement and collaboration with various stakeholders in ensuring the success of this program. By partnering with residents, businesses, and community organizations, Mauban aims to create a tourism industry that benefits the entire community while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come.
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