2 months ago
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BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Thousands of Roman Catholics are expected to troop to the scenic Bangan Hill National Park, located on the top of a mountain in Vista Alegre, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, for the Pagna-Nilay commemoration of the Holy Week on April 17 and 18 here.
The Lenten event, dubbed as Pagna, an Ilocano word for walking, and Nilay, a part of the word on devotion, has been an annual meditation and prayer event in the natural park, said forester Ely Cadang, DENR-Bayombong supervising ecosystem management specialist and designated Bangan Hill park superintendent.
The area has already been prepared, and teams were organized for the arrival of tourists and devotees.
Cadang said that vendors will not be allowed at the top of the park to maintain cleanliness. He also urged those attending the event not to litter because garbage pits have been provided in the area.
There will be a live performance of the depiction of the last days of Jesus until his crucifixion. Catholics can also visit 14 Stations of the Cross, located in various places within the 13.9-hectare park.
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The area became an ecotourism attraction in 2023 after rehabilitation to improve its amenities and increase its facilities such as cottages for tourists and vacationers, Cadang said.
"We also put up cottages to serve guests during peak season like the Lenten season," he said.
Park guards have been strict in allowing tourists to climb its view deck, not exceeding seven, so that tourists can safely take pictures and view the mountains, rivers and other scenery below the park.
The park, which is managed by the DENR in partnership with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the local government of Bayombong, has been declared a national park in 1995 through Republic Act 7954.
It is home to various fauna and flora, which include the Northern Luzon cloud rat, Asian house shrew, water monitor lizard, tokay gecko, skinks of native species, and reticulated python.
In the records of Nueva Vizcaya, the hill was first used in 1739 as the first place for Mass held by Father Pedro Freire.
The area has also become popular as a view deck to see the views of the Caraballo and Cordillera Central mountains.
