STA. TERESITA, Cagayan -- The municipal government here has noted an unprecedented number of tourists arriving in this town, some 520 kilometers northeast of Manila, with still a week before the grand opening of the 3rd Namunit Festival-6th National Ecotourism Festival on March 7-11.
Mayor Lolita C. Garcia, during a press conference on Monday at the municipal hall, assured visitors of more entertaining, educational and fun-filled activities.
She attributed the bigger number of festival participants this year to the promotion and publicity campaign of foreign and national cavers who have declared most of the caves here in Sta. Teresita as world class.
The mayor said the week-long festival would feature a tour to the caves of Tabaco, Bangalao, Karkarato, Maquera, Marciano, Sinangraban as well as an adventure to Banglau Lake and Mount Cagau, which was part of nearby Gonzaga town.
Lectures on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, tourism appreciation and awareness, basic first aid, and tourism security would also be conducted for the participants, Garcia added.
Several fun games are likewise lined up during the week-long festival such as the Kayaking Bangkarera (boat race). There will also be fishing, bird watching, street dancing competition, Ms. Diwata and Prinsipe tilt, Carabao Fashion Show, eel catching contest, tree planting and cultural show.
This year's National Eco-Tourism Festival carries the theme, "Tanap Turod ken Kabanbantayan, Kinabaknang ti Kinaparsuan, Ayaten ken Saluadan”, which means "The plains, valleys, and mountains are wealth of mankind, to be loved and cared for". (PNA)
