Alaminos city: The tourism office of Alaminos City, Pangasinan recorded 18,538 visitors to the Hundred Islands National Park during the Holy Week this year, marking a 24 percent decrease compared to the 24,464 visitors in the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Tourism Officer Rosalie Aruelo attributed the decline to the surge in fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East. "It is still a blessing that there are visitors to the Hundred Islands," Aruelo commented in a phone interview on Monday. She noted that the majority of tourists arrived on Maundy Thursday, totaling 4,727, followed by 5,638 on Friday and 5,709 on Saturday, with 2,464 visiting over the weekend.

Aruelo also highlighted that there were no significant reported incidents in the islands during the Holy Week. She emphasized their commitment to continue promoting and boosting tourism in the city, exploring ways and measures to overcome the current challenges.

Among the most popular destinations in the national park is Pilgrimage Island, home to the Our Lady of the Assumption statue and chapel. The island includes religious landmarks such as the Stations of the Cross and a 56-foot Christ the Savior statue that offers a panoramic view of the national park.

Other attractions in the park include a gallery of religious artifacts and a Saint Valentine shrine. The national park features 17 islands open to the public, offering activities such as diving, swimming, fish feeding, snorkeling, spelunking, and jet ski riding.