Political and civic leaders in Mindanao are batting for the establishment of more retirement communities in the country to boost the tourism industry under the Aquino administration.

Former Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Isidoro Real Jr. said he expects President-elect Aquino to consider tourism as a major area that would be tapped to improve the country’s economy.

Real, who headed Aquino’s campaign in several Muslim-dominated provinces in Mindanao, said the “new type of governance” that would be introduced by Aquino is expected to sustain for him the huge public support he received in the May 10 elections.

“With graft and corruption minimized, if not totally eliminated, Noynoy’s key government programs will receive popular support, thus become successful,” said Real.

“Everything will come into place as Aquino gives precedence to the pro-poor agenda. This is a new day for the Philippines,” he said.

The four-term congressman who was Aquino’s colleague in the 12th and 13th Congress, said the setting up of more retirement communities can be among the new innovations in the country’s tourism program.

However, Real said the tourism industry still requires new infrastructure in order to make it attractive to both local and foreign tourists.

“This country needs more bridges and highways, better airport and port facilities, as soon as possible. As Nonoy makes great strides to put an end to graft and corruption, we expect the minimal amount of money to be stretched to implement more infrastructure projects,” the veteran lawmaker added.