Rep. Co
STO. DOMINGO, Albay — The Bicol region is gearing up for a more exciting and fascinating tourism spectacle, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co revealed.
At the groundbreaking ceremony of Sto. Domingo’s new Municipal Hall, the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations said a slew of big transformative tourism and transportation projects for the region are underway.
First off is the “Bicol Loco Festival” which will feature hot air balloons, drawing inspiration from renowned international festivities.
“Imagine those scenes in Clark or Cappadocia in Turkey; we will bring it to Legazpi,” Co disclosed during a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
In collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Co said at least 25 hot air balloons are being eyed for the three-day Bicol Loco Festival which will also feature live concerts of prominent local and international artists. Co added that the conduct of this festival is being targeted for June or July.
“We’re coordinating…to see which international artists are available in Asia. We’ll try to bring them to Legazpi,” he said.
Co likewise bared plans to illuminate the majestic Mayon Volcano like what France did to its iconic Eiffel Tower.
“Discussions are underway with [Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid] to finance the illumination of Mayon Volcano,” he said.
“Consider this: it stands seven times taller than the Eiffel Tower. Its nightly glow will be a spectacle. With the Eiffel Tower drawing 30 million visitors, we anticipate surpassing Boracay’s annual 2 to 3 million tourists,” he stressed.
The lawmaker further revealed that aligned with the planned tourism projects are infrastructure improvements in the region, including the recently completed Legazpi International Airport, the ongoing construction of a cruise ship terminal in Legazpi, and an impending express train service that is anticipated to significantly reduce current travel time from Manila to Legazpi.
“Once operational, the train express service is expected to cut down the travel time from Manila to around four and a half hours,” Co said. This project will be done with the help of the Department of Transportation.
He also mentioned that local tourism in Sto. Domingo will be improved by the development of a coastal road stretching from the town to Alimsog.
