AFP spotlights Northern Luzon tourism

STA. ANA, Cagayan , Philippines   â€“ The military has tapped the internationally-acclaimed Philippine Dragon Boat team to drum up public awareness of the country’s lesser known territories and tourist spots.

The campaign, which aims to lure investors and encourage support for agencies protecting these territories, started with an exhibition of three teams of rowers last Thursday at the San Vicente Port in this picturesque town.

“The objectives of this activity are two-fold – the propagation of tourism in the northern portion of the Philippines and the increase of public awareness,” said Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, chief of the 1st Civil Relations Group.

“Our countrymen may not  be aware of the existence of some of our country’s territories, especially in the northern and western portions, so we need to show them that these parts of our country should also be protected,” he added.

Garcia said these lesser known areas include the seven unexplored islands of Batanes and parts of Cagayan Valley, which is earning the reputation as the “paradise of the north.”

Security forces in these northern areas have been tasked to ensure that the country’s natural resources are enjoyed exclusively by Filipinos.

“The military is involved because there are no civilian agencies that can go to these places,” he said. “At the same time, the islands are being protected by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). We want our countrymen to know how the AFP protects those territories and how they can extend their support.”

During the demonstration, members of the Philippine Dragon Boat team were divided into three groups for an exhibition race.

Hundreds of local residents cheered the rowers of the Army, Navy and AFP General Headquarters teams. The Army rowers emerged as the toughest in the exhibition, winning two of the three rounds.

The exhibition was held through the efforts of the AFP Northern Luzon Command, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and the office of Sta. Ana Vice Mayor Pinky Rodriguez.

Garcia said they would conduct a similar event in Batanes, especially in the northernmost Y’-ami Island.

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team brought honor to the country after it posted a new world record during the 10th World Dragon Boat Championship in 2011 in Florida and participated in by 17 countries. The team bagged five gold medals.