Manila: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, 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, as explained by Marissa Fangon, project leader from DMMMSU, during the launch on Wednesday.
The guidebook 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 and Banaan Museum in Lingayen town, and the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag. The list also includes Museo Iloko in Agoo town, USAFIP NL Shrine and Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna town, La Union, and in Ilocos Sur, sites such as Bessang Pass, Vigan Museum, Santiago Cove, and Gabriela Silang monument. In Ilocos Norte, the Museo de Bacarra, Juan Luna Shrine, and San Agustin Church are notable inclusions.
Fangon stated that the trail is designed as a tour package with a duration of three days and two nights. ‘We have provided ‘sidetrip’ activities to accommodate the 20 to 30 age-group or the millennials and Gen Zs,’ she said, adding that both the guidebook and trail would appeal to all generations. A familiarization tour was conducted from February 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 emphasized that 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 stated.
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office head Maria Luisa Elduayan remarked that the new trail would give the localities a chance for marketing support of their respective tourist attractions centered in history. La Union Provincial Tourism office in-charge Julius Manabat noted that this initiative would help in diversifying their tourism market with the help of tour package operators.
