DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) is poised to become an eco-sports hub, aiming to boost tourism in Alaminos City with exciting new activities.
The success of the inaugural Hundred Islands Amazing Race Challenge during the city's month-long festival in March 2024 has spurred this initiative.
The race, featuring a unique combination of trekking, kayaking, and running, saw participants traverse from Sandal Island to Ramos Island, Pilgrimage Island, Bued Mangrove Park, and finally reach Lucap Wharf.
"This Amazing Race Challenge is more like a relay race than a triathlon, and it's still under development," explained Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste during the Tongtongan ed PIA (Pag-uusap sa PIA) program.
"We designed these activities to attract more visitors to future Alaminos City festivals, ultimately promoting the Hundred Islands," added Rosalie Aruelo, the city's assistant tourism officer.
Eight teams participated in the recent challenge, facing various tasks on each island and progressing only upon completion.
"This was a first for Alaminos City, and the response was fantastic," said Cloyd Peter Lalas, head of the City Youth and Sports Development Office.
Lalas said, "For the next race, we're planning to include biking to make it more accessible and attract participants from outside the city to explore all of Alaminos' tourist spots."
Aruelo echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to expand the event to encompass other scenic locations in the city.
Pangapisan Integrated School emerged victorious, claiming the title and a P30,000 cash prize.
Other participants also received recognition, with Golden West College, Pangasinan State University-Alaminos City Campus, and another team from Golden West College receiving P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively, for their placements.
All finishing teams received P5,000.
The positive outlook extends beyond the Amazing Race.
The HINP Tourist Arrival Report for 2023 documented a strong showing, with 438,619 domestic and foreign tourists generating P44,394,913.41 in revenue.
Aruelo anticipates even greater numbers in 2024, with the potential for the HINP to become a major eco-sports destination.
The city also expects a surge in visitors during the upcoming long weekend from March 28 to 31, 2024. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/MARNP/PIA Pangasinan)
