Guagua mayor wants dike area as pilgrimage site

GUAGUA— Mayor Dante Torres is set to position this town’s one-kilometer dike area as the next pilgrimage destination in Pampanga.

This, as Torres said that they are now finalizing plans for the construction of life-size murals of the traditional Stations of Cross depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ in the area located near the old Paglabuan River.

The area is the former site of the once strong Paglabuan River that was shrunk into a meager creek after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The lahar flows that silted the area had covered the once vast area of the river. It is in this area where the Guagua section of the Megadike was constructed. The “new land” that covered the area of the river is now being developed as both an artists’haven and eco-tourism park.

Torres said that another attraction for the area is the Stations of the Cross.

“We want that the area could cater also to people who would like to reflect. The area would be perfect to be one with nature and at the same time be one with God,” Torres said.

The Stations of the Cross would be constructed made of concrete materials and later on rendered under the encarna (painting technique to mimic flesh) process by Betis artisans.

Torres added that the area has already developed a reputation as a destination for joggers and bikers. He added that the development of the area would be crucial for its protection as signs of lush vegetation from the wild shrubs and trees that grew through the years have already shown.

The municipal government also plans to plant more trees in the area. It is also expected to shelter works of Guagua artists and a potential location for trainings on the arts.

“We hope to create an area that would identify Guagua as an eco destination,” Torres said.