CABIAO, Nueva Ecija -- The ground work for the development of the 38-hectare Nabao Lake into a premiere tourist destination that will create livelihood opportunities here has finally begun.
Mayor Ramil Rivera on Tuesday said the PHP105-million project is expected to be completed by April or May 2019, when it will be ready to cater to both local and foreign tourists.
The area, located in the boundaries of Barangays Sta. Rita and San Carlos in this first class municipality, will feature, among others, a floating market. It is also set to host festivals, according to the local chief executive.
On top of food stalls and restaurants, he said stores for local products and handicrafts will be set up in the place.
The development will underscore the town's role in liberating the Philippines from foreign invaders, being the cradle of freedom fighters during the Japanese and Spanish occupations.
“The floating market will be like the ones in Damnaen, Saduak, Amphawa, Talin Chan, Khong Lat Mayom, and Bang Nam Pheung in Thailand," Rivera said.
A 210-meter portion of the lake will be used for souvenir shops and food courts. There will also be a zipline that is expected to draw tourists.
Once operational, the mayor said, the project will generate livelihood for at least 1,000 Cabiao residents on top of its impact on local revenues.
"Napakalaking kabuhayan nito sa ating mga kababayan bukod pa sa kita ng munisipyo na maibabalik bilang serbisyo sa mamamayan (This is big source of livelihood of our residents, aside from the income of the municipal government, which will be returned as service to the people)," Rivera said.
Locally called "Lawa ng Nabao", the body of water has been popular for fishing and boating among locals. (PNA)
