Critics to ‘Ate Vi’: Instead of Batangas sign, keep Taal clean

Posted at 7:45 pm October 20, 2011

Tags: Environment, Natural Wonders

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By Anna Valmero

TAGAYTAY CITY, BATANGAS— A plan by the provincial government to put up put up a 14-meter high “Batangas” sign in Taal Volcano has earned criticism from Filipinos online.

The sign will be similar to the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California. According to this Inquirer report, the provincial council has already approved a proposal by Batangas governor and former actress Vilma Santos-Recto to put up the said sign.

Taal Volcano is a favorite tourist destination, attracting visitors coming from Tagaytay City, which lies in the neighboring province of Cavite. Just recently, tourism operators opened zipline and cable rides at Taal Lake to enjoin thrill-seeking adventurers.

Taal is often identified with Tagaytay City, primarily because it offers the best scenic view, but the volcano itself (and the lake) is part of Batangas.

On Facebook, energy consultant Dennis Posadas touted the idea as an “ill-conceived plan” and even called on Noranians (fans of actress Nora Aunor, a showbiz rival of Santos from way back) to stop the proposal.

Others went as far as creating a Facebook page called “HollywoodPilipinas” and uploading images of different tourist destinations pictured with similar signs.

Tagaytay Vice Mayor Celso De Castro believes keeping the environment around Taal pristine should be a priority instead of spending money to erect this ala-Hollywood sign.

“You know that a place is great when you have a pristine and well preserved environment and the people have a good quality of life,” he said.

Tagaytay is a popular venue for weddings even for non-residents. So the local government is taking advantage of its popularity by requiring couples to plant trees.

While Tagaytay City does not claim ownership on Taal Volcano, De Castro said the volcano is best viewed from the People’s Park or in any of the hotels located along the Tagaytay ridge.

“The city population triples to 180,000 from the present 60,000 residents due to the influx of tourists,” said De Castro during the recent 11^th National Symposium on Marine Science.

The local government earns P35 million a year from operating the People’s Park, which helps fund the city college.

(Photos taken from the HollywoodPilipinas page)