The Department of Tourism (DOT) – Bicol is promoting faith tourism to draw visitors to religious and heritage destinations in the region, with the newly opened historical exhibit of the Diocese of Legazpi adding another tourist attraction.
In an interview on Thursday, DOT-Bicol Director Herbie Aguas said faith tourism is an important part of the region’s tourism offerings, citing the influx of devotees to religious destinations, such as Camarines Sur during the annual Peñafrancia celebrations and Our Lady of Salvation in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.
“Faith tourism is very important and is one of the attractions that draws many visitors. Now, we have destinations like this where the younger generation can learn about the history of the Diocese of Legazpi,” Aguas said.
The exhibit, which forms part of the Diocese of Legazpi’s 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration, features historical photographs, artifacts, and other materials documenting the history of the local Church.
Aguas said the exhibit adds to Legazpi’s tourism destinations by offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of the Diocese and its faith.
“Pagsalingoy is a meaningful story of our faith. Let us look at where we came from and appreciate the beauty of these stories. When there is a story, there are tourists,” he said.
DOT-Bicol will help promote the Museo de Legazpi by including it in tourism itineraries, particularly for organized groups visiting the city.
“We are here to help. We will promote this well and include the museum in the tours,” Aguas said.
He added that promoting destinations within Bicol also supports efforts to encourage domestic tourism and the local economy amid rising fuel prices.
Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail said the city government supported the exhibit as part of efforts to promote the city’s history and faith-tourism offerings.
“Everything begins with history. We believe that history is very important, and Legazpi is very rich in history,” Ismail said.
He said the exhibit can also help introduce young people to faith tourism and local Church historical artifacts.
“For the youth, we have what we call faith tourism. Some people and tourists travel around the Philippines to learn about artifacts and history, and this exhibit will allow them to learn more,” he said.
For 88-year-old Edith Manila, the exhibit provides an opportunity to preserve the Diocese’s history for generations who did not experience its beginnings firsthand.
Manila recalled being a fourth-year high school student at St. Agnes Academy when Most Rev. Flaviano Barrechea Ariola, the first bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi, served as bishop.
“Let us not waste this opportunity. This is history that will strengthen the minds of our young people,” she said, urging schools and families to visit the exhibit.
The “Pagsalingoy” exhibit opened at the Museo de Legazpi on the second floor of The Gregorian in Legazpi City on Aug. 26.
It will remain open for one year and is free to the public. The museum is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays.
The exhibit may also be accessed online through QR codes displayed at the museum. It may be included in itineraries of groups undertaking Jubilee pilgrimages to the Saint Gregory the Great Cathedral. (PNA)
