BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The development of the Mandayao Panorama Park, which is being envisioned by Mayor Rhumyla Nicor Mangilimutan as the tourism hub of La Castellana in Negros Occidental, continues with more added attractions being constructed, and the majestic Kanlaon volcano as the back drop.
Mangilimutan, accompanied by Vice Mayor Manuel Ver and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, as well as landowner Federico Francisco Infante, yesterday led the groundbreaking rites of the 60-foot Holy Cross in Brgy. Mansalanao, La Castellana.
The giant Holy Cross is expected to compliment the Century Leaf Garden, where the 30-foot statue of Blessed Virgin is also nearing completion.
The event is part of Tourism Week being celebrated by the municipal government of La Castellana.
The development of the Mandayao Panorama Park and its neighboring areas that used to the hotbed of insurgency in the late 1980s, form part of the effort of local government to transform it into a tourism hub.
It will be the take-off point for the tourism highway envisioned by the local government, which is part of the 56-hectare property owned by the Infante family who entered into a Public Private Partnership with the local government, Mangilimutan said.
Aside from the giant cross, also up for construction is an ecumenical church to cater to the different religious groups, she added.
Infante said the development of the area into a tourism hub is a legacy they will share with the town residents, especially the younger generation.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental also constructed a P1.5 million comfort room at the park.
Mangilimutan said the development of the area into a tourism hub will also generate employment for the locals, especially Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) who are displaced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.*
