Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara is proud of what his home province of Aurora has become in terms of tourism development.
Angara said Aurora’s tourism industry grew considerably over the last 11 years, with the number of tourist traffic in the province increasing by 119.81 percent based on government data.
“Aurora is fast-becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country,” said the seasoned legislator who made a short visit to the province to attend its 40th foundation anniversary.
From 10,782 tourist arrivals in 2007, Aurora received 1,291,822 visitors in 2018, according to the Aurora Provincial Tourism Office.
Majority of these tourists–both local and foreign–went to Baler, which is known as the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. With waves over nine feet tall, Baler is a popular attraction during the surfing season.
However, the veteran lawmaker said Aurora “is more than just Baler.”
“Aurora is more than just Baler.”
“Isa lamang ang Baler sa mga magagandang lugar sa Aurora. There are other beaches in the province that have the potential to become popular tourist destinations,” the senator said.
He cited Dinadiawan beach in Dipaculao and Casapsapan beach in Casiguran as among the pristine beaches in Aurora that are not known yet to tourists.
Angara said these beaches should also be promoted in order to sustain tourism growth in the province and to spread the benefits of tourism to other municipalities.
He noted that the boost in the tourism industry would generate more jobs that would help alleviate poverty in the provinces.
“A boost in the tourism industry would generate more jobs.”
Angara, chairman of the Senate local government committee, urged local governments to invest in tourism and develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities that would entice and make it easier for tourists to visit the area.
“We should improve our road networks and fix our airports. Even Baler could attract more tourists if the establishment of its airport would be fast-tracked,” he said.
