Cebu City unveils pilgrimage sites

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) formally launched the Highland Pilgrimage Tour yesterday which offers possible places that people can visit during the Holy week.

CCTC head Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera said they have learned that it is possible not to go far outside the city for various activities or meditations during Lent.

There are places in Cebu City, she said, that are very suitable for that purpose, especially those planning to go Via Crucis in the mountains.

Several stakeholders were brought by the CCTC yesterday to places that can be visited during Holy week that have become part of the city’s tourism. Among them was the Tabor Hills in Barangay Talamban, which also is famous for its relics chapel.

Also visited was Our Lady of Manaoag Rosary Sanctuary, which is home to a garden and museum.

They also visited the St. Mary Co-Redemptrix Church which is also located in the same barangay.

According to Pesquera, some mountainous parts of the city are called Calvary mountains, which are very suitable for the pilgrimage tour.

Aside from helping develop tourism in such areas, Pesquera said the tours also provide a connection for the spiritual aspect of each individual.

In the lowland, one of the usual activities during Holy week, particularly on Good Friday, is the Buhing Kalbaryo whose physical presentation will be resumed this year.

The revival of the tourism industry in Cebu City is one of the ways to help revive the economy, said Pesquera.

Meanwhile, CCTC continues to promote the Highland Bloom and Ecotourism project they have already started. This includes the barangays of Busay, Tagba-o, Malubog, Sirao,  among others.

It has already been reported about the waterfalls in Barangay Tagba-o is fit for canyoneering.

In addition to the beautiful falls, Cebu City’s upland areas are also home to a flower farm, mountain spots, uphill restaurants, botanical garden, resort and more.  — JMD (FREEMAN)