Manila: The provincial government of La Union, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) from its first district, recently highlighted emerging tourist attractions and best practices in the province during the Media Agkaysa Ronda for Information Optimization event held on February 19 to 20.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, themed 'Agkaysa' which translates to unity, was part of the province's 176th founding anniversary celebrations. Provincial media affairs officer Mary Joy Castillo stated that they worked closely with the participating LGUs to showcase the tourist destinations they aimed to promote. Castillo emphasized that the provincial government encouraged LGUs to select the destinations or projects they wanted to emphasize, as they have distinct perspectives on what should capture the participants' attention.
Several LGUs participated in the tour, including Sudipen, Bangar, Santol, Luna, Balaoan, San Gabriel, San Juan, Bacnotan, and San Fernando City. Sudipen introduced visitors to the Top Allan Adventure Park, offering views of the sea of clouds, sunrises, sunsets, and nearby mountains, along with activities such as camping and pre-nuptial shoots. The town also promoted its bamboo-woven products, which serve as a livelihood for many local families.
In Bangar, traditional loom weaving was showcased, alongside efforts to engage younger generations through the Inabel Academy. Public Employment Service Officer Rodrigo Sarmiento Jr. highlighted the challenges in encouraging youth participation, noting that 20 to 30 percent of the town's 600 loom weavers are elderly. Bangar also emphasized its emerging noodle-making industry.
Santol town featured its Simminublan Falls and Bilagan Road, with Mayor Lynn Wailan-Seinen highlighting the area's cultural richness. Luna town promoted the Camp Luna Glamping Resort, known for its OPM memorabilia collection, including items from artists like Eraserheads and Parokya ni Edgar, in addition to its renowned Baluarte Watch Tower and Bahay na Bato.
Balaoan used its tobacco excise tax share to build a solar-powered international-standard covered court, an air-conditioned bus stop, and a playground. San Gabriel offered a serene experience at the Baroro Watershed picnic area, with Mayor Lany Carbonell discussing the town's other attractions and cultural heritage.
San Juan highlighted its pottery products, church, and plaza, while Bacnotan gained attention for its clean public market equipped with an elevator, lactation area, and library. The town also hosted a silk weaving demo at its Trade Center, alongside features of a bee and duck farm owned by a millennial.
In San Fernando City, participants explored the Ma-Cho Temple, seaport, and airport. Castillo noted that LGUs considered factors such as site readiness, community acceptance, and environmental impact when selecting attractions, aiming for a balance between economic gain and cultural and environmental preservation.
The Agkaysa Media Ronda reflects Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega's focus on transparency and accountability, enhancing public information through media immersion rather than conventional press conferences, according to Castillo.
