KALIBO, Aklan — Governor Carlito Marquez hailed President Gloria Arroyo Macapagal for her five-minute advertisement of Boracay, the Philippines' tropical paradise, during her recent visit in Aklan.

"President Arroyo is the number one advertiser of Boracay Island. We are fortunate the President endorsed the premier tourist destination amid the global financial crisis," he said at the Kapihan sa Latte organized by Kalibo Cable Television Network and IBC DyRG Budyong ng Kalibo.

At the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Arroyo declared Boracay Island as the showcase of the country's tourism destinations, citing the increase of tourist arrivals and improvements in tourism infrastructure.

Marquez said pump-priming projects in the reclaimed area of Caticlan will be constructed by the provincial government and the private sector in the next five years. The projects include the expansion of Caticlan port, a wellness hotel with medical facilities and improved services at the Caticlan jetty port for tourists.

The island, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said, is an undisputed wonder and travelers who have been here know that it is indeed among the world’s best.

He said the Australian Magazine "Grazia" recently named the island of Boracay as one of the best beaches in the world for its crystal-clear waters, fine white sand and natural charm that captivates beach lovers and travellers.

Arroyo made a two-hour trip to Boracay Island for a Cabinet meeting last week to push for the Central Philippines super region and the tourism industry as the hedge of the Philippine economy against the global economic downturn.

The governor said the deluxe resort being built by Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa in the northern part of the island is a 'dream come true' for President Arroyo. The 12-hectare hotel with 219 rooms, villas and suites is expected to open this month.

"She (Arroyo) lobbied to the leading luxury hotel group in Asia Pacific and stakeholders for the entry of Shangri-La in the island. This is the dream of President Arroyo to bring more tourists and developments in Boracay," Marquez added.

The Chief Executive also took off her shoes, rolled her slacks and walked on the shore with her Cabinet officials.

Shangri-La has six existing hotels in the country, including the planned Shangri-La at the Fort at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.