THE town of La Castellana holds the splendor of its mountains and lush greenery which serves as a natural backdrop for any tourism-oriented sites and endeavors.

La Castellana Mayor Rhumylla Nicor-Mangilimutan with Sangguniang Bayan member Añejo Nicor, the 13 Punong Barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen staged the 15th Limpio Verde festival at the Mandayao Panorama View Park in Barangay Mansalanao, a property owned by the Infante family who authorized the use of its 3.6-hectare property by the Local Government of La Castellana through a usufruct agreement.

This festival highlighted the establishment of a Century Leaf Garden wherein the 13 barangays namely Manghanoy, Robles, Sag-ang, Cabacungan, Nato, Talaptap, Lalagsan, Kamandag, Mansalanao, Biak-na-Bato, Masulog and Puso created its huge leaf garden developed with the creativity of the SK chairmen.

Mayor Mangilimutan said that she wants to improve the town's potential for tourism with the development of these tourism sites.

The town is rich in natural marvels such as waterfalls, rivers, mountain resorts, and cafes boosted with a clean environment.

This festival took off on a theme: " Ecosystem Restoration."

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed us to innovate and open these sites for the establishment of cafes so that the local residents with an entrepreneurial spirit can do business to address the impact of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

This is just the start. Also in the pipeline is the establishment of a huge cross which will highlight the religious facet of the town.

"I have traveled in the beautiful places abroad and I want to replicate beautiful parks and gardens that will persuade tourism and economic growth of the town," she said.

She also thanked the Infante family through Francisco Infante who partnered with the LGU in this economic and tourism enterprise.

Also to Mr. Franky Uy of RA Construction and General Merchandise for his assistance and also to the office of 5th District Rep. Marilou T. Arroyo for supporting this tourism-oriented endeavor.