CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Magalang Mayor Malou Lacson has vowed to prioritize the implementation of program that will boost tourism in the town.
The mayor said tourism will boost economic development and the future generation will appreciate and benefit from it.
Magalang sits at the foothills of the majestic Mount Arayat.
Lacson said the town is a safe haven for nature lovers with the presence of resorts, coffee shops, and recreational parks.
She said Mount Arayat is a tourist spot beautified by the Banal a Bunduk, Dalan ning Krus or Holy Mountain, Way of the Cross located at Orchard Village which is visited every Holy Week by thousands of pilgrims from Pampanga and its nearby provinces.
The place features life-sized 14 Stations of the Cross, a 1.6-kilometer trek toward the end which is a 35-feet tall Risen Christ. Trekkers may also opt to go further for a harder climb to the white rock, and up to the mountain’s summit.
“Nothing can beat the beauty of Mount Arayat. It is where resorts thrive best, it is where recreational activities can be done best specifically at its foothills,” Lacson said.
She added that the local government is looking for funding for an adventure park to be built at the foot of the mountain, with the help of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
The town is home to two heliograph towers located in barangays Sta. Cruz and San Isidro which regarded as important cultural properties.
Lacson is planning to develop a cultural heritage site in the Poblacion area of the town.
“In this way, all establishments here will eventually look like heritage sites. We are not expecting this to be fast, but we know that the people here will be able to adapt,” she stated.
With its culture and arts, the municipality of Magalang received the First Philippine Heritage Awards, a presidential honor for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.