House bill eyes Arayat as tourist destination

MANILA, Philippines — Pampanga’s “mystical mountain” Mt. Arayat may soon be officially recognized as one of the country’s tourist destinations.

This developed after the House committee on tourism approved House Bill 181, which seeks to declare Mt. Arayat as a tourist destination.

The proposal was authored by Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.

Gonzales said the House approved the measure during the previous 18th Congress, but the Senate failed to pass it into law.

He told the committee that Mt. Arayat continues to attract nature lovers because of its rich biodiversity.

Gonzales cited the recent discovery of a new plant species, pyrostria arayatensis.

“It is also home to Arayat National Park. Located in Barangay San Juan Baño, Mt. Arayat’s cool springs and green foliage offer a family-friendly resting place perfect for swimming and other activities,” he said.

Mountain climbers from Metro Manila prefer Mt. Arayat because of its proximity to the National Capital Region.

Gonzales said Arayat is an integral part of the culture and home of Apung Sinukuan, a local god revered for teaching the art of agriculture and metallurgy to ancient Kapampangans.

He clarified that Mt. Arayat is neither fully developed nor prepared to receive the influx of tourists.

Gonzales said unregulated developments around Arayat endanger its ecology and the people, whose livelihood depends on the mountain.

The proposal requires the Department of Tourism to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as the provincial government in developing Mt. Arayat.