Balanga City’s progress is simply amazing

BALANGA CITY, Bataan- Approximately 235,400 foreign and local visitors have observed magnificent progress of numerous tourism-oriented areas and historical sites here which is fast emerging as an investment and tourist hub in Central Luzon.

Most registered visitors were classified as corporate planning staff, business retailers, from the academe, students, officials from local government units in Luzon and Visayan regions and other sectors who were fascinated  to undertake evaluation of the City’s excellent performances for garnering numerous recognitions for best practices in anti-smoking campaign, Ibong Dayo Festival, model public market for cleanliness and several awards for good governance.

Butch Cabrera, acting City Tourism Officer, said about 50 percent of the visitors  were reportedly interested on the strategic planning concept of the local government in implementing productive programs which would  expand  healthy and livelihood environment, peace and order and noteworthy projects for opening opportunities in the countryside.

The recorded tourist arrivals of 44,502 in 2011 to 235,400 last year or a huge difference of 211,000 was the outcome of continuous efforts of the City government in raising further the standard of tourism facilities to measure up with the available amenities abroad and improvement in the promotional viewpoints of  tourism industry, Cabrera said.

He pointed out one of the major attractions is the Plaza Mayor which replicates the grandeur

of European architectural masterpiece in the City’s first shopping mall and hotel, both structures becoming popular tourist spots in the historic peninsula.

He enumerated Balanga City’s foremost tourist sites such as the Wetland and Nature Park in  Tortugas; World War II Surrender Site and Museum inside the Balanga Elementary School compound; interactive fountain in Plaza Mayor; St. Joseph Cathedral with historical belfry; picnic grove in the upland village of Tanato  and other nature parks.