The Department of Tourism in the Ilocos Region (DOT-1), in partnership with local government units (LGUs) from Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, has launched a new historical tour circuit aimed at promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The initiative, which includes a guidebook and historical trail, seeks to enhance historical awareness and foster patriotism, particularly among younger generations.
The historical trail is based on a guidebook developed by Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), featuring key historical sites across the four provinces.
These sites highlight significant events from pre-Spanish times to the Spanish colonial era, American rule, World War II, and contemporary history, according to Marissa Fangon, project leader from DMMMSU, during the launch on Wednesday.
The guidebook, she said, focuses on pivotal historical events, cultural influences, and landmarks that have shaped the identity of the Ilocos Region.
Together with the province’s local tourism offices, they have identified shrines, churches, monuments, landmarks, historical sites, and national heritage sites including museums.
Among the identified historical sites are the Pangasinan Capitol, Banaan Museum (used to be Casa Real or the first government office in the province), both are in Lingayen town, and the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag.
These also include Museo Iloko in Agoo town, USAFIP NL Shrine in Luna town, and Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna town, La Union.
In Ilocos Sur are Bessang Pass, Vigan Museum, Santiago Cove, and Gabriela Silang monument.
Museo de Bacarra, Juan Luna Shrine, and San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte.
Fangon said the trail designed a tour package with three days and two nights duration.
“We have provided a ‘sidetrip’ activities to accommodate the 20 to 30 age-group or the millenials and Gen Zs,” she said adding that both the guidebook and trail would appeal to all generations.
A familiarization tour was conducted from Feb. 5 to 7, allowing participants to provide feedback that will be used to refine the guidebook and improve the trail before its official rollout.
DOT-1 officer-in-charge Evangeline Dadat said the project goes beyond tourism promotion, aiming to instill national pride among Filipinos.
“Patriotism that’s the reason, we need to help our youth, our future, they have to know their story. One has to protect our nation especially now. We must strengthen patriotism,” she said.
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office head Maria Luisa Elduayan said the new trail would give the localities a chance or marketing support of their respective tourist attractions centered in history.
La Union Provincial Tourism office in-charge Julius Manabat said this would help in diversifying their tourism market with the help of tour package operators. (PNA)
