PILAR, Bataan – Noting its viability and tourism potential, the Sangguniang Bayan here has approved P1.6-M for the setting up of a Zip Line project in this historic town.

    The approval by the council of the first ever Zip line project came after Mayor Charlie Pizarro proposed for the putting up of the unique project that could certainly further develop Pilar town’s potential as Eco-tourism town.

    The tourism project of this fast-developing town has also been supported by the town’s First lady Mrs. Alice Pizarro who has been very active in various activities, in her bid to make Pilar more attractive and beautiful.  Some Pilar folks wanted Mrs. Alice Pizarro to become the successor of her husband whose term expire come 2013, after completing three terms as mayor here.

    Pilar town has fast becoming the center for commercial with the construction of various commercial establishments, such as the Government Center, concrete roads, prevailing peace and order and tourism due to its strategic location, where the historic Mt. Samat Shrine or the Dambana ng Kagitingan is located.

    Councilors Jojo Tallorin and Joey Mariano told this correspondent that they have immediately approved the P1.6-M fund as requested by Mayor Pizarro for the Zip Line project, believing that this will further attract tourism and expose the once sleepy town before the World.

    “Nagkaroon pa nga ng division of the house bago naaprubahan tong pondo dahil kumontra na naman si Konsehal Paguio na nag-iisang oposisyon; di namin maintindihan kung bakit maski anong klaseng magaganda at kapaki-pakinabang na proyekto na isusulong ni Mayor Charlie ay agad agad nitong kinokontra,” lamented Tallorin and Mariano.

    During the voting, it was only Paguio who voted negative; all voted for the immediate approval of the project fund, said Tallorin and Mariano.

    Mayor Pizarro said that Department of Tourism officials in Manila had given him the go-signal for the Zip line project and that all had been set for the construction and installation of a zip line atop of the historic Mt. Samat.

    “This will certainly draw more tourists – foreign and local in this strategic and fast developing town in Bataan and we are happy and proud to announce it,” said Pizarro.

    Dennis B. Cuatro, a noted mountain climber, environmentalist and expert in Zip line project, said his group is willing to extend any form of assistance for the successful installation and operation of the Zip line project.  A businessman in Manila but was married to a Mariveles beautiful lady, Cuatro has grabbed headlines in various national and local newspapers recently after he launched an environmental campaign awareness for the protection of Tarak ridge, the highest mountain peak in Mariveles town.

    According to Mayor Pizarro, the initial total length of the zip line is approximately 550 meters starting from atop of Mt. Samat shrine going down all the way to Dunsulan falls, another tourism spot in the area, adding the zip line is probably the first ever in Central Luzon.

    Rep. Abet S. Garcia, 2nd District and Governor Tet Garcia had also initiated the construction of access road going to Dunsulan falls due to the increasing number of tourists and mountain climbers visiting in the area.  The water falls is also a favorite swimming ground for locals and foreigners due to its fresh and clean water. – Mar T. Supnad

Source:  Bataan Peninsula Times, Vol. 20 No. 25, September 25 – October 1, 2011, Page 1, 4