The municipality of Agno, Pangasinan will open two cave attractions to tourists within this year.
Agno Mayor John Celeste confirmed this in an interview on Tuesday.
“These are the Simmimbahan Cave in Barangay Tupa and Kimmalding Cave in Barangay Gayusan. Simmimbahan because it looks like a church and Kimmalding because goats go there,” he said.
Celeste said a memorandum of agreement between the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already been signed for the opening of the caves to tourists, as well as the training of tour guides.
“We still have to put up signages in the area around and within the caves, but probably around November (this year), after the rainy season, we can already open it to tourists,” he said, adding that the roads going to the new attractions are already paved, making them accessible.
He added that the caves are a few meters away from the roadside, and the two villages where these are situated are next to each other.
Celeste said they wanted to boost tourism in the town by adding more attractions.
Aside from the two caves, Celeste said the local government is also working on the Integrated Comprehensive Plan for its famous Umbrella Rocks Beach and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Municipal Tourism Code of Agno.
He said they plan to build a park and other facilities within the Umbrella Rocks Beach as part of the comprehensive plan.
“But we need to coordinate with our district’s representative for the costs,” he said.
The local government is in close coordination with the DENR and the Department of Public Works and Highways on the issue of some private individuals who allegedly bought and own a portion of the famous tourist spot in the town, he added.
With the comprehensive plan, Celeste said, tourists would further enjoy the Umbrella Rocks Beach.
“If we’re able to build the park, tourists will be able to see six beautiful views from there. First, the Balincaguing River; second, the West Philippine Sea; third, a big concrete cross in front of it; fourth, a lighthouse next to it; fifth, endangered species of monkeys; and sixth, the rock formations,” he said.
Celeste said they are also working with transport groups to add direct routes from Dagupan City to Agno and vice versa.
At present, the only route available is Agno to Alaminos City and vice versa.
The town is also known for its white-sand Abagatanen Beach and other coves, aside from the Umbrella Rocks. (PNA)
