Legazpi city: The Department of Tourism (DOT) - Bicol is promoting faith tourism to draw visitors to religious and heritage destinations in the region, with the newly opened historical exhibit of the Diocese of Legazpi adding another tourist attraction. In an interview on Thursday, DOT-Bicol Director Herbie Aguas emphasized the importance of faith tourism in the region's offerings, highlighting the significant influx of devotees to religious destinations, such as Camarines Sur during the annual Pe±afrancia celebrations and Our Lady of Salvation in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.
According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibit is part of the Diocese of Legazpi's 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration and showcases historical photographs, artifacts, and other materials documenting the history of the local Church. Aguas believes that the exhibit enhances Legazpi's tourism scene by providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of the Diocese and its faith.
"Pagsalingoy is a meaningful story of our faith. Let us look at where we came from and appreciate the beauty of these stories. When there is a story, there are tourists," Aguas stated. DOT-Bicol plans to promote the Museo de Legazpi by incorporating it into tourism itineraries, particularly for organized groups visiting the city. "We are here to help. We will promote this well and include the museum in the tours," he added.
Aguas also mentioned that promoting destinations within Bicol supports efforts to encourage domestic tourism and the local economy amid rising fuel prices. Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail expressed support for the exhibit as part of the city's efforts to promote its history and faith-tourism offerings. "Everything begins with history. We believe that history is very important, and Legazpi is very rich in history," Ismail remarked.
The exhibit also aims to introduce young people to faith tourism and local Church historical artifacts. "For the youth, we have what we call faith tourism. Some people and tourists travel around the Philippines to learn about artifacts and history, and this exhibit will allow them to learn more," Ismail explained.
For 88-year-old Edith Manila, the exhibit is an opportunity to preserve the Diocese's history for future generations. Manila recalled her time as a high school student when Most Rev. Flaviano Barrechea Ariola served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi. "Let us not waste this opportunity. This is history that will strengthen the minds of our young people," she encouraged, urging schools and families to visit the exhibit.
The "Pagsalingoy" exhibit opened at the Museo de Legazpi on the second floor of The Gregorian in Legazpi City on August 26. It will remain open for one year and is free to the public, available Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. The exhibit may also be accessed online through QR codes displayed at the museum and included in itineraries of groups undertaking Jubilee pilgrimages to the Saint Gregory the Great Cathedral.
