The Ilocos Norte government is offering delegates in the ongoing 65th Palarong Pambansa the opportunity to visit the province’s iconic and new attractions for free.

Edison Justine Deus, officer-in-charge of the provincial government’s Communications and Media Office, on Tuesday said they are providing the free tours on a first come, first served basis.

From May 28 to 30, Deus said vehicles will be on standby in front of the provincial capitol at 8:30 a.m. and will depart as soon as they are full to bring the passengers to various eco-tourism parks and scenic landscapes in the northern and southern parts of Ilocos Norte.

“There will be two buses and three coasters for this program,” Deus said, adding that the provincial government, through its tourism office, has prepared two tour itineraries for the visitors to choose from.

For northbound passengers, the route includes the Cape Bojeador Military Camp, Lighthouse, and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos; the 18 Degrees North camping site and the windmills in Bangui Bay; and the Saud Beach in Pagudpud.

Southbound passengers, meanwhile, will visit the Malacañang of the North, the sand dunes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Augustine Church in Paoay, and the Ilocos Norte Waterpark located at the La Virgen Milagrosa Cove in Badoc.

Although meals and other expenses are shouldered by participants during the tour, entrance fees are waived when visiting facilities owned by the provincial government.

On special holidays and big events such as the Palarong Pambansa, which for this year is being hosted by Ilocos Norte, the provincial government wants more visitors to explore and experience the beauty of the province as a slice of Boracay, Baguio, and Dubai all in one place. (PNA)