As one of the top tourist destinations in the country, Cebu province would get priority funding from the government for tourism development.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced this Wednesday night during a late dinner with the media at the Malacañang sa Sugbu (Malacanang in Cebu) here.

"Cebu is included in our tourism priority areas that will get priority funding for tourism development," the President stressed.

Included in the top tourism priority areas, according to the President, are Cebu and Bohol provinces, Metro Manila, Boracay Island in Aklan, Subic in Zambales, the Cordilleras, and the provinces of Ilocos and Davao.

The President said these destinations and other local tourist spots should be provided with safe and comfortable roads and highways, amenities, hotels, and other facilities and services such as the roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry system and proximity to domestic as well as international airports.

On Wednesday afternoon, the President also led the distribution of trophies and cash prizes to the winners in the street dancing and cultural competitions in the recently concluded Dinagat Festival in nearby Cordova town where she also announced the inclusion of the province as among the tourism priority areas in the country.

The President was warmly welcomed at the Cordova Sports Complex in Barangay Day-as by more than 3,000 students, teachers and local officials led by environmentalist Mayor Arleigh Jay Sitoy who praised the President for the historic visit in their town.

Accompanying the President were outgoing Tourism Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, incoming Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The President said Cordova’s sustainable fishing industry, marine sanctuary, and the Cordovanons’ love for the environment contribute to make Cebu province a premier tourist destination.