ALKFI chair Gina Lopez, Mayor Percival Ortillo Jr., broadcaster Dyan Castillejo and ALKFI managing director Susan Afan cut the ribbon to officially open the Marabut Multipurpose Processing PlantConnected by San Juanico Bridge, Samar and Leyte braved the odds together and survived the most powerful storm surge ever documented.

ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI) through its environmental arm Bantay Kalikasan, the donors of Sagip Kapamilya and the local governments of Basey, Sta. Rita and Marabut in Samar and Dulag, Leyte continue efforts to bring the affected communities closer to prosperity by providing livelihood opportunities and infrastructure.

The team recently visited the sites in Samar and was welcomed by people’s organizations there.

A passenger boat was donated to the community of Brgy. Palaypay in Basey to provide transportation from Tacloban to Basey, cutting the one-hour travel time to just 20 minutes.
The boat docked at the Basey predeparture area, where passengers can enjoy great food and a massage after the journey.

The second stopover was the two-story Marabut Multipurpose Center. As the landing area for fishermen after spending long hours at sea, the center will offer inexpensive but healthy meals.

The group’s third stop was at the magnificent farm-totable experience offered by La Cucina de Marabut.

A few hours before sunset,the team went to Sohoton Cave, the fifth stopover. To encouragetourists to visit the cave, architectBong Recio designed, forfree, the Wespal Visitor Centerand Eco-Lodge. Here, touristscan stay the night and evenenjoy meals prepared by the community.

It was almost evening when the team reached San Juan Floating Restaurant and Boardwalk by the Bay. This is the ideal time of the day to visit because of the presence of fireflies.

The team was divided into two. The first group rode a raft with a comfortable sofa; the other group traversed the boardwalk surrounded by mangroves. The destination was truly worth it—a floating restaurant where a tasty dinner awaits while one looks over San Juanico Bridge.

The next day was devoted to water sports and beach activities in the three sites of Dulag, Leyte. The first stop was San Jose Skimboarding Camp designed gratis by architect Efren Aurelio. Meanwhile, Dao Balay Kawilan is for tourists who want to chill, relax and enjoy the sight and sound of the river. The team then proceeded to Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp for lunch.

Because of these projects, the time will come when Samar and Leyte will not only be known for San Juanico Bridge and the devastation caused by Yolanda—they will also be known for creating model communities worth emulating.

To know more about the Samar and Leyte destinations, visit www.g-ecotoursph.com or call 415-2272 loc. 3761. (Story by: Ana Junio Photos by: Butz Eguia, DOT-Eastern)