Sablan execs craft program to promote town’s tourist sites

By Susan C. Aro

SABLAN, Benguet – Town officials here have crafted its Tourism Code to promote scenic sites here while protecting the environment.

Provisions of the code includes regulatory and promotions program, creation of policy-making bodies and empowerment of authorities, crafting of a tourism development plan, establishment of a tourist information and assistance center and capability enhancement.

It also specifies administrative provisions in the effective performance of duties and responsibilities of concerned authorities.

The technical provisions detail the regulatory fees, scope and designation of tourist attractions, compliance to other rules as to organization of tourist activities, respect to culture and traditions, and protection and maintenance of the area.

It also includes a provision on tour guides and porters.

Tourist attractions scattered in the barangays are waterfalls, springs, rivers, caves, mountains, and panoramic attractions.

Some of the town’s mountains with good vantage views when climbing their peak include Mt. Dakes or “Shekes,” Mt. Esbo and Mt. Pokgong.

Some provide scenic views of South China Sea and coastal areas in La Union and Pangasinan and other mountain ranges.

One can be awed with the panoramic view of China Sea and Lingayen Gulf along Yagyagan.

It also has several waterfalls such as Towing, Sabdang, Asal, Agsit, Budahaw, and Tagiew and a spring called Sacdol.

Its rivers namely Aneng and Ambacwag are ideal for picnic areas. It also has potential cave privately owned called Perel.

Dubbed, “Fruit Basket of the Province,” it boasts of its fruits such as banana, pineapple, mango, star apple, santol or lolly fruit and other fruits. It also produces tiger grass used to make soft brooms.

The Sablan Tourism Code is forwarded to the the provincial board for deliberations.