President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s March 11, 2005 visit to the province of Siquijor to inaugurate the Lazi Port Facilities as well as the Larena Port passenger terminal building, the reclamation and extension of its pier.

The two ports are among the main components of the government’s roll-on-roll-off Strong Nautical Highways System and will serve as the gateway to the exotic tropical island province of Siquijor.  The completed P69.17 million project is expected to boost tourism and speed up the economic development of the province.

President Arroyo said yesterday she plans to promote Siquijor as "another Boracay," and the island’s air of mystery could be part of its attraction to tourists.  You can read more about the President’s visit by going to the MySiquior.com’s “articles” section; "Arroyo vows to make Siquijor island the next Boracay".

The pictures below show the actual ribbon cutting ceremony and President Arroyo shaking hands with some residents of Lazi.  There is also a photo of the Siquijor Provincial Tourism staff with the Secretary of the Department of Tourism; Joseph Ace Durano.

(Click on the individual photos to view larger images)