President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday cited the importance of developing tourism in attaining economic sustainability in the country.

In her speech delivered at the 50th anniversary celebration of the province held at the ABL Sports Complex, the President congratulated the people of Aklan for maintaining boracay Island's ranking as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

"I congratulate you, but more than congratulating you, I have a fervent prayer that boracay will spread the gold and be the hub of development all over Aklan, all over Panay, including Antique which is only 45 minutes away," President Arroyo said.

The President said she hopes that boracay will remain on the top list of tourism destination in the world which brings prosperity not only for the town of Malay, but for the entire province of Aklan, the Panay Islands, and the rest of the Philippines.

As such, President Arroyo announced the creation of special task force "Stingray" to maintain peace and order in different tourism destinations of the country.

She also said that a special sub-task force called "Baywatch" will be formed to guard and protect the beaches of boracay.

"The national government's obligation now is to provide rooms to these foreigners and the means to take the tourists there. That is why, we have been liberalizing the airline industry and there are now 25 candidates to and from Aklan so people from other provinces can fly directly to Kalibo conveniently because of its hourly flight," President Arroyo said.

The Chief Executive said the resort of boracay and in the mainland of Aklan are part of the area of operation of Task Force Stingray which protects all resorts in Central Philippines from terrorist threats.

"Within the task force, I'm also creating a special sub-task force for boracay beach resorts called Baywatch," she said.

"The world's most beautiful beach should be enjoyed by people all over the world in a manner that will be beautiful for all times," she added.

At the same time, the President distributed some 25 educational vouchers to deserving graduating students in the elementary level who will be granted the privilege to study high school in a private school of their choice.

Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Ramon Bacani earlier said a total of 100,000 educational vouchers worth P4,000 each will be distributed all over the country to deserving elementary students in public schools for them to have the opportunity to continue their studies in the secondary levels in a private school of their choice.

He said that priority will be given to students belonging to families of low-income earners and those in the poverty level.

Bacani said the program would ensure students in the primary levels who are enrolled now in public schools all over the country of better education to prepare them for a better life in the future.

The President arrived here at about 3 p.m. She was accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

The Chief Executive was welcomed by DepEd Secretary Fe Hidalgo, local government officials led by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and Vice Governor Ronquillo Conanan Tolentino.