Thousands expected to trek to Cagayan Valley’s pilgrim sites

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - Thousands of Catholics from all over Northern Luzon are again expected to come in droves to this region’s major pilgrimage sites where Christ’s passion and crucifixion are re-enacted yearly in observance of the Lenten season.

Here, the Bangan Hill has been the favorite destination of devotees coming from this region’s southern towns, especially on Good Friday when thousands trek to this capital town’s highest peak where the Bayombong diocese led by Bishop Ramon Villena re-enact the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Likewise, thousands of pilgrims are again expected to converge in Santiago City, Isabela for a 50-meter uphill trek to Dariok Hill, the city’s highest peak in Barangay Balintocatoc.

At Dariok Hill, one finds life-sized images of the Last Supper, Jesus Christ’s "arrest" by the Roman centurions, trial, nailing on the cross, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

Santiago City Mayor Amelita Navarro, in whose term the once-idle hill has been transformed into one of the region’s major pilgrimage sites, gave assurances on the safety and security of pilgrims.

In Cagayan, the Holy Week will not be complete for thousands of devotees without going to Mount Calvary in Iguig town and Our Lady of Piat in the province’s western part.