QC set to develop RP’s lechon capital

Quezon City will soon have another major tourist destination with the development of the La Loma district as the "lechon capital of the country."

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. formally laid the other day the groundwork for the development of La Loma into a business and commercial center to promote stores selling lechon, or roasted pig, for which the district is famous.

Belmonte said the streets, in particular N. Amoranto and Calavite, will be paved, lamp posts and railings will be added and three "welcome" arcs will constructed at the entry and exit points from Quezon City to Manila.

Tourism Undersecretary Armand Arreza, who was a special guest at the groundbreaking rites, vowed to help make La Loma a tourist and economic growth center.

The city council earlier approved an ordinance, authored by Councilor Wilma Amoranto Sarino, allocating P6 million for the beautification and development of La Loma to make the lechon making district a tourist destination.

Businessmen will also be pitching in by renovating their stores, installing canopies and glass windows, displaying uniform billboards and keeping grilling areas clean and sanitary.

The Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCCI) hailed the project as a signal of the transformation of the La Loma district into a growth center.

QCCCI president Nathan Zulueta said with the full development of La Loma, Quezon City will soon be able to promote lechon to the global community.

"Lechon is a traditional symbol of fiestas and important and cultural events in the country. A traditional Filipino celebration is not complete without the lechon," Zulueta said.

He said lechon industry, which was pioneered by Mang Tomas in the early ’50s will spur business and employment opportunities for residents in the area.

The beautification and road improvement project in La Loma is expected to be completed by April for the annual fiesta of the La Loma district.