‘Spark Adventure’
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar launches its new tourism offering under Spark Samar dubbed ‘Spark Adventure: The trails of discovering Samar Wonders.’
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco graced the launching held at the tourism center in Barangay Binongtoan, the jump-off point for the Ilog Tour.
Spark Adventure: The trails of discovering Samar Wonders offer three tour packages.
The Tandaya Trail 1 Tourism Circuit featuring the Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge, the centuries-old tradition of mat weaving in Brgy. Basiao in Basey, the farm-to-table concept restaurant in Marabut municipality offering a picturesque view of the town’s rock formations, and the culinary feast of sumptuous dishes at the San Juan by the Bay in Sta Rita town.
The Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise, wherein tourists will deep dive into the province’s rich cultural tapestry by cruising along the Cadac-an River experiencing the traditional kuratsa dance in the village of Burgos, the tuba winemaking in Del Pilar village, meeting the Mamanwa tribe in Sitio Rawis of Mabini village, and learning the history of Basey in Magallanes village.
The Secret Kitchen of Samar Gastronomy Tour allows tourists not only to witness the demonstration of how heirloom dishes of the province are prepared and cooked but also to let them savor the flavors of authentic Samar cuisine that was passed down through generations.
“The launch of the three tourism circuits of Samar highlights the enormous potential that our destination can have in providing authentic, immersive, meaningful, purposeful, and sustainable Philippine experiences for local and international tourists,” Sec. Francos said in her message.
Frasco credited the success of the launching through the collaborative support from the national and local governments and tourism stakeholders that work hand-in-hand to prepare not only the facilities but including the communities who will benefit the program.
She added that this tourism program of the province is aligned with the national government program to promote and market the Philippines as a place of fun and adventure and also to reintroduce the Philippines to the wider tourist market “by allowing them to get to know the heart and soul of every Filipino.”
The tourism secretary said that tourism is one of the economic drivers of the country and provides employment to more than 10 million Filipinos.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan, in her message, said that she is focusing on tourism promotion as she believes that this could help usher development in Samar.
The governor also thanked Sec. Frasco for giving P4 million in assistance used for the Mabaysay River cruise.
The launching of Spark Adventure was attended by top officials.
Among them were Rep.Reynolds Michael Tan(2nd district), regional directors of national government agencies including DOT8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Imelda Laceras, National Economic Development Authority Regional Director Mylene Rosales, Technical Education Skills Development Authority Regional Director Gamaleil Vicente Jr., Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Atty Dax Villaroel, and 8th Infantry Division Commander MGen Camilo Ligayo.
(ROEL T. AMAZOAN/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
