New theme park rises as ‘Paskuhan’ phases out

A new theme park featuring the best of North Philippines will be open to the public starting Sept. 21 at the former Paskuhan Village grounds in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Dubbed as the “North Philippines Historical, Cultural and Tourism Village,” the Department of Tourism project aims to showcase the best of the country’s northern regions composed of Central Luzon, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and the Cordilleras — through its history, culture and tourism potentials.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to grace the opening rites of the new tourism village.

Situated at a crossroad close to two giant shopping malls in the area, the 9.3-hectare property consists of a hotel and four exhibit halls that will house each region’s display of its heritage, history and cultural traditions. All four regions will stage daily tourism-related activities such as festivals, street performances, cultural and historical masterpieces, trade expositions and arts and crafts demonstrations.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said the new theme park will serve as the wellspring of social and economic opportunities for the less privileged such as the small entrepreneurs in rural areas, poor farmers and backyard peddlers from far-flung communities.

“Tourism means jobs and opportunities for our people. The new theme park will not only be a showcase of the regions’ best, but also a vehicle for poverty alleviation which is the essence of tourism,” he said.

At the tourism village, the public will have a glimpse of popular festivals including Pista’y Dayat and Bangus Festival of Ilocos, Pavvurulun and Bambanti Festival of Cagayan Valley, Panagbenga and Gotad Ad Ifugao of Cordillera, Central Luzon’s Sinukwan, Tanduyong, Malatarlak, Ilongot and Suman Festivals.

One significant feature of the Village is a gallery that will recreate the dramatic milestones in history. Among these is the historic turnover of Subic and Clark to the Philippine government after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. For good reads, visitors may purchase books and publications written by the regions’ famed authors at a bookstore inside the park.

Also, a one-stop-shop of agricultural products from the regions like fresh vegetables, processed meat and other farm produce will be made available for visitors as an added treat. It will likewise feature foreign gardens, restaurants and vegetations from Asian countries.

Entrance to the village is free.