AFTER a year since its enlistment as one of the tourist destinations in La Trinidad town, the hillside art murals in Balili is prepared to undergo further development.
In July last year, 180 houses became a canvas, in a project in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Cordillera, the artists of Tam-awan Village, Davies paint, La Trinidad Municipal Government and the Provincial Government of Benguet.
The project was implemented with the participation of communities and Barangay Balili, known as the "hillside homes artwork in SToBoSa", which stands for sitios Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap.
For the project, a total of P3.2-million budget was allotted for the establishment of the viewdeck. The fund will come from the town’s supplemental budget and Benguet’s counterpart.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said the viewdeck is eyed to be placed on the right side near the waiting shed area.
"We are coordinating with the province because we have known that P1 million is allotted also for the viewdeck."
Salda said the capital town is keen on improving its tourism facilities, particularly with the creation of the view deck and a parking space in the area.
Salda added aside from the viewdeck, they are also eyeing for the improvement and development of the hanging bridge and presence of restrooms. However, he said additional budget is also needed.
Municipal Tourism Officer Valred Olsim said the technical study for the project have been finished.
"With the project, it will ease the road with visitors who flock around the area. We should also fix the structure or elevate. When we see the social preferences of the people with regards to our tourism, many are enticed to visit the area," Olsim said.