Jalosjos firm expands theme park in Zambo

Jalosjos family-owned Gloria de Dapitan Inc. has allotted P77.5 million for the expansion Fantasy Land amusement and theme park in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, the Board of Investments (BOI) said this weekend. The BOI said that Gloria de Dapitan intends to develop some 5,100 square meters of land and acquire brand-new rides for the theme park. The company plans to buy shuttle buses that will transport tourists from pick-up points going to the Fantasy Land, the BOI added. Fantasy Land — which has a total land area of 9,335 sqm — is the biggest theme park in Mindanao. It started operating in May 2009. The Department of Tourism endorsed Gloria de Dapitan’s expansion plans to the BOI. Commercial operation of the expansion will start by December this year, employing 18 additional personnel, according to the BOI. The BOI said it has approved the grant of incentives to the project, including income tax holidays and duty-free importation of capital equipment. The Jalosjoses, including the convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos, belong to the prominent political clan in Zamboanga del Norte. — JE/VS, GMANews.TV