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A spot that clicks for splashers, events in Aklan

After two years of hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism & Training Center (GCLCTTC) Swimming Pool and its facilities in Barangay Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan has finally reopened and is making a splash.

Right after its re-opening and blessing ceremonies on September 22, 2022, more bookings and reservations have been received by the facility.

Splashing of waters and people’s laughter could once again be heard inside the compound of the GCLCTTC also known as the Aklan Training Center (ATC).

The place once again has been busy for full-pack events such as birthdays, baptismal, reunions, outings and the likes. 

The 25-meter long leisure pool has a depth of 4 to 6 feet designed for adults. Connecting it is a three-foot depth pool which was intentionally made for the kids.  

Dr. Michael Terencio, department head of the Economic Enterprise Development Department of the Provincial Government of Aklan expressed his appreciation for the warm reception of the public especially of the Aklanons on the reopening of the pool.

“Just like in its first opening in 2019, it also clicks this time to the Aklanons. We received many bookings already,” he said.

It could be recalled that the leisure pool was first opened to the public on May 27, 2019. Terencio revealed that due to the overwhelming demands of the pool, its

The Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism & Training Center (GCLCTTC) Swimming Pool in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. The leisure pool has reopened to the public on September 22, 2022, after two years of closure due to pandemic. (SQP/PIA-Aklan)

filter system gave up and was needed to close for the meantime for repairs.

However, in March 2020, coronavirus pandemic hit the country. Community quarantine had been implemented and only essential establishments were allowed by the government to open then; which eventually led to the temporary closure of the of the pool and the entire Aklan Training Center to the public for two years.

Aklan Training Center and all the facilities inside its compound, including the pool, are owned by the provincial government, the very reason that at the height of the pandemic, the entire compound, accommodation and function rooms were used as Ligtas COVID Center (LCC) or quarantine facility. 

“We are so happy that after two years it is finally open to the public. We are inviting all of you to visit and use the GCCTTC and its pool. It is a very nice place as it is cozy, spacious and has wide parking area,” said Terencio while expressing his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Aklan for the all-out support they had given for the rehabilitation of the ATC.

During the first 100 days accomplishments report to the people of Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, it was mentioned that the reopening of the GCLCTTC Swimming Pool was one of the many significant accomplishments of the provincial government.

Children joyfully swimming and plunging into the three-foot depth swimming pool, which is connected to the 25-meter long pool designed for adults, (SQP/PIA-Aklan)

Governor Miraflores also revealed in his accomplishments report to the people that currently, an additional larger hall is being constructed inside the ATC to increase capacity and to accommodate at least 500 persons at the same time for bigger events and social activities.

One of the many individuals, who are excited and happy for the reopening of the said facility, is Ben Torre, Jr., a family man and father to five children. Before the pandemic, Ben and family used to hold their occasions at the GCLCTTC Swimming Pool.

“Pirme kami dati sa Aklan Training Center sa may pool. Kis-a ga overnight man

kami igto dahil may mga rooms man sanda ag manami ro rooms actually, may wifi man. Nasubuan man ngani kita kapin ro mga unga ay sa sueod it daywang dag-on wag gid sanda nakatimpasaw sa swimming pool. Mayad ay makara bukas euman ag excited kita sa mas manami pa gid nga maikaoffer it facilty it ATC (We were always at the Aklan Training Center pool before. There were times that we spent overnight there as they have accommodation rooms also, and the rooms were actually nice, and have WIFI also. We were saddened especially the kids, that for two years they had not able to plunge in swimming pool. It is great that it reopens and we are excited for the much better service and facility the ATC could offer),” said Ben.

Meanwhile, Palmi I. Fernandez, Officer-in-Charge of EEDD- Resort and Hotel Operations, confirmed that nothing has changed in their rates at the ATC. During daytime, pool rates for adult is P70.00 while P50.00 for children. At night, adult should pay P90.00 and P60 for children.

“The pool is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., however, since we have in-house guests, they have the privilege to use the pool exclusively from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m, beyond that, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. will be for the public,” Fernandez explained adding that lifeguards who are professionally trained are stationed at the pool area to ensure the safety of the guests.

At night, swimming at the GCLCTTC pool is more fun and exciting as the area is well-lit and has dancing pool lights. (AAL/SQP/PIA-Aklan)

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Sheila Patoza

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Region 6

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