STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — The city government of Alaminos has strengthened its tourism offerings this dry season and the upcoming Lenten season to provide visitors with a more solemn and meaningful experience.
A significant addition to this effort is the newly inaugurated facilities at the Pilgrimage Islands–Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel and Retreat Hall–which were inaugurated on Mar. 28.
Developed to be a premier faith tourism destination, these facilities promote spiritual and cultural travel.
Rosalie Aruelo, officer-in-charge assistant tourism officer of Alaminos City, emphasized that the Pilgrimage Islands will not only strengthen faith but also boost local tourism by attracting visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
“The city government plans to hold a monthly mass at the chapel. The area also features Saint Valentine and Saint Mary shrines,” Aruelo said, urging pilgrims to include Pilgrimage Islands in their Visita Iglesia.
Adding to the island’s spiritual ambiance is a 56-foot statue of Jesus Christ, which provides breathtaking views of Hundred Island National Park (HINP).
Meanwhile, the newly opened, air-conditioned Retreat Hall, which can accommodate up to 120 people, is now open for reservations.
“We will do our best to have the Retreat House ready for reservations by Holy Week. It can accommodate up to 20 people, with three rooms–two that can accommodate eight guests each, and the third that accommodates four,” Aruelo added.
Visit the Alaminos City Tourism Office at Lucap Wharf, or message the Alaminos City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/1DpPQMsGUb/) to inquire about prices and make reservations.
The development of the Pilgrimage Islands was made possible through a P19 million fund from the provincial government of Pangasinan, along with additional support from the national and city governments to enhance faith tourism in the province.
This initiative is expected to boost the local economy by attracting more pilgrims and tourists, generating income for businesses, creating job opportunities, and preserving cultural heritage.
In 2024, HINP welcomed 386,073 tourists.
The HINP continues to offer various recreational activities, including helmet diving, island hopping, kayaking, swimming, and ziplining.
Aruelo said that more than 60 trained tour guides are ready to facilitate smooth and informative tours for visitors this year.
With an expected influx of tourists, she assured that all necessary preparations are in place, with the city government coordinating with agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Red Cross, which are on high alert to ensure a safe, organized, and memorable experience for visitors during the dry season and Holy Week.
Ray Dyonn Paningbatan, a visitor who witnessed the inauguration of the new facilities, shared his admiration for the improvements at Pilgrimage Islands.
“The new chapel is a great addition as it represents the devoutness of every Filipino. It truly stands as a testament to our culture that is deeply-rooted in religion,” he said.
With the enhanced facilities on Pilgrimage Islands, Alaminos City offers a deeper and more meaningful faith experience, where spirituality, culture, and nature unite. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
