MANGALDAN, Pangasinan, Feb. 25 (PNA) -— The Angalacan river dike here is expected to become a tourist attraction with the slated construction of an Eco Park with bike trail project initiated by the Mangaldan police station (MPS) and the local government unit (LGU).
Supt. Jackie Candelario, chief of the Mangaldan Police, said the project aims to protect and preserve the Angalacan river system and make it a tourist attraction in the town.
“Since the river system was awarded as the cleanest and longest river in the province, we wanted to keep it that way by building a dike which will also be an Eco Park”, said Candelario.
He said a bike trail for mountain bikers was already in place in addition to the coming Eco Park project.
“With the project, we hope to create awareness on environment protection for the public and also for the local and foreign tourists to have an option to visit the town especially now that the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is a Minor Basilica,” said Candelario.
The Eco Park project is an eight-kilometer stretch, with 15 kilometers for the bike trail covering six barangays of the town.
Candelario said once the project is completed, it is expected to draw livelihood or income for the folks in the six barangays with the expected increased number of tourists.
“The project will be funded by the national government and the LGU,” said Candelario.
Furthermore, a mountain bike challenge called “Bike the Dike”, first in the town will be staged on March 7 here to promote the bike trail and upcoming Eco Park project.
Charles Buenvenida, mountain biking enthusiast said the trail here is a complete package with its uphill, downhill, sand, single track and rough terrains.
“It is friendly for beginners but requires technical and riding skills,” said Maj. Rommel Saguilot.
Mitch Relisan, elementary teacher from Sto. Tomas, said the bike challenge would be exciting.
The competition is comprised of ladies category, newbie category, executive category and mixed relay, which are open to all including the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Philippine National Police.
Registration fee is P350 with a finisher’s t-shirt, race bib and others. (PNA)