GUAGUA -- Mayor Dante Torres joined members of the Soroptimist International of Guagua in a tree planting activity at the section of the FVR Megadike here in a bid to fully develop the area into a tourism hub.
Soroptimist International of Guagua president Divine David-Tulio led he group in planting fruit trees in the area.
David-Tulio said that the trees would provide shade and fruits to visitors of the area in the coming years. She added that planting trees in the area would provide the Betis-District in Guagua town with “lungs” that filter the air in the nearby communities.
“We hope to contribute to the effort to turn the area into a eco-tourism destination,” David-Tulio said.
The area is the former site of the once strong Paglabuan River that was shrunk into a meager creek after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The lahar flows that silted the area had covered the once vast area of the river. It is in this area where the Guagua section of the Megadike was constructed.
The "new land" that covered the area of the river is now being developed as both an artists’ haven and eco-tourism park.
Torres added that the area has already developed a reputation as a destination for joggers and bikers. He added that the development of the area would be crucial for its protection as signs of lush vegetation from the wild shrubs and trees that grew through the years have already shown.
The municipal government also plans to plant more trees in the area. It is also expected to shelter works of Guagua artists and a potential location for training on the arts.