PANGASINAN—The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and with the assistance of the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), officially launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) Pangasinan Adventure Ride last October 24, 2023. The project aims to present the province of Pangasinan as a premier motorcycle tourism destination, highlighting its iconic and picturesque tourist attractions and other tourism offerings particularly in the towns of Bayambang, Calasiao, Lingayen, and the city of Alaminos for its launching.
The DOT Region 1, headed by Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, has focused promotions on the region’s provinces by way of ‘appreciating the journey’ or simply enjoying the process of travelling. Last 2021, the regional office launched its Bike Tourism project which focused on cyclists and promoting destinations with safe and scenic bike trails around the region, which also promotes a healthy lifestyle and a fun way to engage in the sport of cycling. Through Motorcycle Tourism and Bike Tourism, tourists get a first-hand ‘feel’ of the destinations they are travelling to or visiting, which adds to their overall experience.
More than 400 riders participated during the PMT launching, with celebrity riders Jet Lee, Yanna, Laraaa, Rides with Danyela, RoxanneVentures, Zara Moto, MotoKonek, IndayRider, All About Wheels Manila, Jan Sy Photo+Blogs, Boss G, and more, as well as local riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. Their route allowed them to see the 50.23 meter bamboo statue of St. Vincent Ferrer at the famous prayer park; the Municipal Plaza of Calasiao where they were able to taste the town’s famous puto Calasiao from the Calasiao Puto Producers and Vendors Association; a drive by the See Pangasinan marker, Limahong Tourism Center along the baywalk, and the architectural heritage treasure that is the Capitol Building in Lingayen; and the Bued Mangrove Park and the Alaminos City Gymnasium where the culmination program took place. Regional Director Ortega arrived at the program to personally thank the participants and personnel who worked on the project. He also met with Alaminos City Hon. Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste and Hon. Vice Mayor Jan Marionne “Ion” R. Fontelera at the scene.
While there are indeed many motorcycle vloggers and enthusiasts who enjoy promoting destinations during their travels, the PMT likewise became an avenue where participating riders witnessed and showcased the safety and convenience of travelling around Pangasinan with its secure and paved roads.
/MCDG-U
Photos: RSR & KFC