Province of Siquijor, February 3 (PIA)-To further boost ecotourism, the provincial tourism office is vigorously pushing homestay program in Siquijor province.

At least 35 houses around the province were already inspected for accreditation, says Senior Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

Eight of these houses are located in Lazi town, seven in San Juan, five in Siquijor, four in Enrique Villanueva, and three each in the towns of Maria and Larena. Four other houses, also in Lazi are yet to be inspected since the owners were not around at the time of inspection, Armirola’s staff also said.

Homestay program, Armirola said, will not only answer problems on lack of accommodation facilities of the province but will also give homeowners extra income, thus expanding their business opportunity.

This will also allow tourists to spend more time in the province and explore the province’s attractions as it provides them alternative affordable accommodations aside from the existing accommodation establishments and resorts, she said.

A training for homeowners and their caretakers is scheduled this month to give them extra know-how on tourist-handling and see to it that they comply with accommodation requirements such as comfort rooms with adequate water, bedrooms, ventilation and lighting and a welcoming atmosphere, Armirola said.(PIA-Siquijor)