The trip to Abra has been shortened by two to three hours, making it easier for tourists to experience extreme adventures in the province.
Gov. Maria Jocelyn Bernos, during the “Laging Handa” network briefing on Nov. 23, said with the completion of TPLEx (Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union expressway), going to the province is now around five to six hours from the previous eight-hour trip.
She said the numerous road projects of the national government like the one that has reached La Union in northern Luzon is beneficial to many people and local government units located far from Metro Manila.
While the province still has to work on opening up its borders to tourists, she said they allow residents to visit their tourist attractions.
“In a way, we offer the hospitality but at this moment, tourist spots are not yet open for outside residents, but only for residents. Hopefully by January mag-o-open na kami para maging ready naman ang tourist spots for those coming from different parts,” Bernos said.
She said most of their tourist destinations and attractions are “given by God designed to become a tourist spot.”
She cited the Kaparkan Falls which is like levels of waterfalls dropping on rock formations, as well as the several camping sites, caves, hiking, and trekking trails found in the different municipalities.
“Pag adventurous ka na tao, extreme adventure, swak ka dito sa Abra. Mara-ming nagte-trek dito. Hopefully after the pandemic, unti-unti natin ibabalik ang mga pwedeng pas-yalan,” she added.
Bernos said aside from March for their month-long Kawayan Festival, the rainy season is also a tourism season for the province with their water attractions as a favorite.
“There were many visitors before the pandemic who come for the Abrenian Kawayan. They also come during the rainy season for adventure, trail, extreme, and outdoor activities,” she added.
The governor is hopeful they can open the border soon for jobs to also resume. – PNA
