By Marilyn Galang/PNA
PEÑARANDA, Nueva Ecija — The municipal government here has allocated the PHP3.2-million performance challenge fund it received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enhance local tourism.
Mayor Ferdinand Abesamis said in an interview on Tuesday that the local government also put up additional PHP3 million to upgrade the Peñaranda River Irrigation System Eco-tourism water park in Barangay San Josef here.
The river is traditional host to recreational and tourism activities in the town and visited by people from neighboring areas.
Abesamis said the PHP3.2-million performance challenge fund is a cash reward given by the DILG for being one of the Seal of Good Local Governance awardees this year.
Noel Mercado, San Josef barangay chair, said among the facilities to be erected in the town are the view deck and facilities for water skiing.
“The project stands to compliment the Minalungao National Park in nearby Gen. Tinio town,” Abesamis said.
He said tourism will also increase economic activity in the municipality.
Earlier, Sen. Nancy Binay, chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting faith and eco-tourism to help boost the country’s economy
Mt. Bulalay is one of the tourism destinations in the province that is set to receive much-needed boost with an imminent funding from Congress.
