Aeta village eyed as the 'Rio De Janeiro' of Asia

FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga — The Provincial Government of Pampanga is eyeing the Nabuclod Eco-Tourism Adventure Park in the highlands of Nabuclod Aeta Community as the next “Rio de Janeiro” of Asia.

Board Member Nestor Tolentino said the government is planning to erect a similar gigantic replica of the Risen Christ (Ascension) similar to that in Brazil.

“If they did it in Brazil, why can’t we?” asked Tolentino.

Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, balneario beaches such as Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.

Nabuclod has some of those now like the cable cars and zip lines.

Aside from the icon Christ Ascension, there would also be an icon of the "Lady of Nabuclod," the Virgin Mary herself, in a selected spot there.

Gov. Lilia G. Pineda disclosed that the said adventure park will feature cultural village, zip lines, hanging bridge, native restaurants and other tourism facilities.

Pineda also said that the project aims to provide livelihood to the Aeta communities living near Nabuclod.

Floridablaca Mayor Eddie Guerrero said the municipal government fully supports the eco-tourism plans of the provincial government in the upland villages in their town.

“It will not only promote the town as tourist destination, it will also generate income among the indigenous people or Aetas living in the upland,” Guerrero said.