By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Gov. Angelina Tan joins tourism stakeholders during the launch of the Bondoc Peninsula Agri-Tourism and Pilg...
 |
| Gov. Angelina Tan joins tourism stakeholders during the launch of the Bondoc Peninsula Agri-Tourism and Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit in Quezon Province. (Quezon PIO) |
MULANAY, Quezon - Visitors arriving in the Bondoc Peninsula today are greeted by church spires, coconut farms and coastal communities stretching toward the sea. The scene contrasts sharply with a past shaped by insurgency, limited access and years of economic uncertainty.
Part of that transformation is now being packaged as a tourism destination. Quezon launched the Bondoc Peninsula Agri-Tourism and Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit on June 3 to attract visitors and investments to southern Quezon.
The initiative comes days before the planned June 12 declaration of Calabarzon as an insurgency-free region. The milestone is expected to draw attention to communities that have long remained outside the province's tourism mainstream.
Named “BonPen Trails: Cultivating Faith, Harvesting Experiences,” the project was developed by the Provincial Tourism Office with the support of Gov. Helen Tan. It aims to showcase the peninsula’s landscapes, heritage sites and farming traditions through curated travel experiences.
The circuit goes beyond showcasing destinations and landmarks scattered across southern Quezon. It weaves together the stories of farming communities, centuries-old religious traditions and local industries that have long shaped the identity of the Bondoc Peninsula.
For decades, Bondoc Peninsula struggled to shake off a reputation tied to insurgency and underdevelopment. Tan said improving peace and order conditions have begun changing how investors and tourists view the province.
“Before, people were afraid to go to Quezon because of the insurgencies. I want to tell you, in 2022, Quezon was already declared insurgency-free, and many investors are now coming in,” Tan said.
The circuit links Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, General Luna, Catanauan, Macalelon and Mulanay. The Provincial Tourism Office designed the route around destinations where faith, agriculture and local culture intersect.
A two-day familiarization tour gave participants a closer look at the circuit’s attractions and experiences. The tour highlighted destinations, products and traditions that tourism planners believe can attract future visitors.
Among the featured stops were St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Mulanay and the Kamhantik Archaeological Exhibit. Both destinations reflect different chapters of the peninsula’s religious and cultural history.
The tour included visits to souvenir centers featuring products made by communities across southern Quezon. The stops connected small producers and artisans with tourism stakeholders exploring potential partnerships.
The itinerary included a visit to Mikastra Integrated Farm in Macalelon. Guests watched demonstrations of traditional lambanog production and the preparation of the town’s well-known tikoy.
Pilgrimage tourism remained a major focus throughout the two-day journey, underscoring the role of faith as one of the defining elements of life and culture in the Bondoc Peninsula. The route included the Immaculate Conception Parish Church and the Mountain of Faith pilgrimage site, where faith traditions remain closely tied to community life.
A stop in Mulanay coincided with activities linked to the municipality’s Cocolunay Festival. The celebration added another layer of cultural experience to the peninsula's tourism offerings.
The launch featured a new Quezon Delicacies Tourism Brochure highlighting food products and specialties from municipalities across the province. The publication supports food tourism while promoting local producers and their products.
The Provincial Government of Quezon also unveiled a tourism video featuring the Polillo Group of Islands. The campaign forms part of a broader effort to promote destinations across mainland and island Quezon.
Together, the brochure, tourism circuit and promotional video form part of a wider branding campaign for the province. The effort seeks to connect Quezon's food, faith, culture and island destinations under a single tourism identity.
Tan said Quezon's tourism potential extends beyond individual attractions and destinations. She said the province's landscapes, traditions and agricultural heritage give it advantages few provinces can match.
“Mayamang-mayaman po kami riyan—kapatagan, karagatan at kabundukan. Rich in resources, culture, heritage, everything, and we want more people to discover those strengths through the experiences that our communities can offer,” Tan said.
Tan acknowledged that tourism readiness remains a challenge in several areas of the province. She said improvements in facilities, utilities and accessibility are needed to support visitor growth and strengthen the experience for future travelers.
Tan said the provincial government is strengthening partnerships with restaurants, resorts and religious institutions. She said private-sector participation will be essential in preparing destinations for larger visitor volumes.
“Sana hindi po kayo ma-frustrate sa mga shortcomings na nakita ninyo. Pagtutulungan po namin na maisaayos ang mga kinakailangang pasilidad, utilities at access para sa ating mga bayan-bayan,” Tan said.
Addressing those challenges remains a key part of the tourism program's next phase. Provincial Tourism Officer Nesler Louies Almagro said feedback from tour operators and tourism advocates will help shape future improvements.
“Yung ni-launch po natin is a work in progress. We really value your suggestions and comments because they will help guide how we improve and develop this tourism circuit moving forward,” Almagro said.
Almagro said the campaign highlights the people behind Quezon's food traditions. He said local products carry the stories of communities that have sustained them through generations.
“Behind every delicacy is a farmer, producer, entrepreneur and community whose story deserves to be told. By promoting our local delicacies, we also support the people and industries that make them possible,” Almagro said.
Historically, the Bondoc Peninsula struggled with insurgency-related security concerns and limited outside investment. The expected June 12 declaration represents a major turning point in efforts to reshape that image.
The next challenge begins after the launch ceremonies and tourism presentations conclude. Success will depend on whether interest generated by the campaign translates into visitor arrivals, business activity and investment in the towns of the Bondoc Peninsula.
June 12 is expected to place Calabarzon’s peace and development gains in the national spotlight. What follows may be the harder test: whether visitors, investments and opportunities will reach the towns of Bondoc Peninsula in the months ahead.
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments