The Camiguin Island and Guimaras Island Area Specific Tourism Master Plans were turned over to the Local Government Units on 25 May and 25 June 2005, respectively.

As the highlight of the Camiguin Day during the Pasundayag ng Northern Mindanao, held at the Clamshell I, Intramuros, Secretary Joseph H. Durano, assisted by former Undersecretary Evelyn B. Pantig, handed over the Camiguin Island tourism master plan to Provincial Governor Pedro P. Romualdo. Also present in the Turn-Over Ceremony were the members of the project team from the Provincial Tourism Office of the Camiguin, Department of Tourism and Philippine Tourism Authority, Department of Transportation and Communication and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

A minute of silence was requested by Mr. Catlino Chan III, Provincial Tourism Officer of Camiguin , in remembrance of Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan and Dr. Norman M., Tongol, both project team members from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology, who perished in a helicopter crash. In view of the volcanic origin of the island, these scientists have contributed their expertise not only in volcanology and disaster management but also in volcano - and geology-related ideas for tourism product development and enhancement.

Governor Romualdo expressed his appreciation to DOT in taking the lead in providing his province with a tourism master plan that unifies its homogenous attractions advantage in promoting the island - its volcanic origin - the Island Born in Fire.

On the other hand, the Guimaras Area Specific Tourism Master Plan was turned over by Director Edwin G. Trompeta to Governor JC Rahman mana during the Iloilo-Guimaras Day. Copies of the master plan were likewise handed to Mayor Prederito Gange Sr. (Sibunag), Diosdado G. gonzaga (Nueva Valencia) and Cynthia Terre, MPDC representing Mayor Arsenio B. Zambrano of San Lorenzo. Also presemt during the Turn-Over Ceremony were project team members from the Department of Tourism and Philippine Tourism Authority.

The master plan of Guimaras Island espouses the agri-tourism development and concept which integrates and harmonizes recreation, leisure, and learning activities in an agricultural setting. The role of tourism, in this instance, would be a value adding and enhancing activity to augment the farmers' income.

With the adoption of the master plans, it is expected that tourism will prosper in these two beautiful islands, with their unique characteristics, once the various programs, projects and activities are properly implemented by the respective local government units and agencies, private sector and local communities.