Peace, order, sights lure tourists to SF

By Erwin G. Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — This city boasts of many tourist attractions that had increased visitor arrivals and boosted trade and industry here.

These include La Union Botanical Garden, a scientific garden and the center for laboratory research in Northern Luzon which is the first of its kind in the Philippines; the 25-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer at Reservoir Hill, overlooking the city proper and San Fernando Bay.

Others include Kasay Marine Sanctuary, a 30-hectare area devoted for the rehabilitation and replenishment of fishery and other coastal resources; the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone (formerly American Military Base – Wallace Air Station) and certainly, beautiful beaches along its coastline.

But what supplements the beauty of these scenic spots which beguiles tourists to flock to this city is the peaceful situation in the area.

Netizen Elizabeth Mutia North recounts through her social media account, Facebook, last Jan. 4, her experiences while spending her vacation here. She writes: “In fairness, San Fernando City of La Union is one of the places where you can wear jewelries, use your iPhone, no snatcher and police are very helpful to anyone that visit their city and their policemen are not porky, they’re fit, market is good, the people in the market are honest, a good place to visit where you feel very safe.”

Another social media fan Tony Calima congratulates local Philippine National Police officials for their efforts to ensure the safety of the city.

His post: “Keep up the good work. Tourists will visit San Fernando City a lot when there are no crimes. Congratulations to PNP and leaders of San Fernando City, La Union.”

Peter M. Magturo also admires the people of San Fernando for their honesty. He experienced it firsthand when he accidentally left a bag in a tricycle and was able to get it back. He shares: “That’s true. People of San Fernando City, La Union are real honest. When I went to Thunderbird Resort at Freeport Zone, I forgot my backpack in a tricycle I hired at the downtown to the resort. After two hours, the trike driver returned my backpack at the gate. Too bad I did not have any info about the driver. I should have given him a reward that moment. Mabuhay ang mga taga-San Fernando!”

For his part, Chief Supt. Julius Suriben, city police chief, expressed gratitude to Magturo  and vowed that his appreciation will serve as inspiration for police personnel to exert more effort in doing their duties and responsibilities.“Thank you very much for your appreciation. Because of the overwhelming support and encouragement, we are more inspired to do our duties to sustain the image of the city as one of the country’s most peaceful place,” Suriben said.

Because of these laudable comments, ABONO Partylist Rep. Francisco Emmanuelle “Pacoy” Ortega III commended Mayor Pablo Ortega and the police during the local celebration of the PNP Anniversary at Camp Diego Silang, recently.

Even the establishment of Police Assistance Box in the Streets (PABS), mini-police outposts strategically positioned along major roads in the city and the province, especially in front of schools, and malls, did not go unnoticed. Jozch Epfh ZR Nhou comments: “Sana sa Metro Manila meron ganyan especially sa EDSA para may masumbungan ang mga tao lalo na yong mga biktima ng hold-up at snatcher.”

Happy smile Dildig also blogs: “Mas nakita nila ang mga tao kasin nasa itaas sila.” These two comments were posted on separate FB account after seeing the PABS photo published in the Manila Bulletin in January.

San Fernando City is now full of activity as it celebrates its 17-day 16th Cityhood anniversary from March 7 to 20, 2014. A number of events have been lined for the festivity. For sure, tourists will be mesmerized anew with the merriment, the different picturesque spots, and, needless to say, the peace and order situation in the area.