Finding a place to visit in Pinukpuk?: Over 15 new destinations are expected to open

FEATURE

More than 15 new and existing tourist destinations in the municipality of Pinukpuk are expected to open to the public once pending proposals are approved by local authorities, as the municipal tourism office continues its efforts to strengthen the town’s growing ecotourism sector and improve site safety and accessibility.

Pinukpuk is known for its mix of natural landscapes, river systems closely linked to the Chico River, cultural heritage, and emerging ecotourism sites. While still developing as a tourism destination, several features are already shaping its identity.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Pinukpuk Tourism Designate Glenda Lee C. Pelila shared that several tourism sites are currently under evaluation and awaiting approval. Inspections and assessments will be conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards before the sites are opened to the public.

“Umabot ti 15 tourist spots ditoy Pinukpuk ti maur-uray for approval. Adda dagiti proposals mi para kadagitoy tourism spots ket madama nga ma-approve-an pay laeng. Nu ma-approve-an, mapan kami met personally tapnu ma-inspect manen ken makita mi no ania ti kasapulan nga i-improve, lalo ti safety dagiti sites since pang-public met—narigat nu mapan dagiti tao nga saan pay na-inspect a husto,” she said.

Aside from the pending proposals, Pinukpuk already has several declared tourism sites under its local tourism code. However, Pelila noted that some of these locations remain less frequented, prompting the local government to further promote and enhance these attractions.

Existing sites under the local tourism code include the Formidable River Rocks, Aguinaldo Hill, Asibanglan Lakes (three lakes) and waterfalls, Allaguia Cathedral, Awang Agta Lake, and Asibanglan Waterfall, among others. Meanwhile, sites pending approval include the Formidable Big Stones, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Socnan Falls, and the Francisco Dasayon Footbridge, among others.

Once approved, these additional sites are expected to complement existing destinations and expand the municipality’s ecotourism offerings, with increased tourism activity anticipated in the coming months.

The tourism designate also encouraged visitors to explore the municipality beyond individual destinations and experience Pinukpuk as a whole.

“We warmly invite tourists and visitors to explore the beauty, culture, and traditions of Pinukpuk. Visit Pinukpuk and discover what makes our community truly unique. Agpasyar kayo lattan ditoy ili mi nga Pinukpuk—napintas ditoy ayan mi. Haan laeng nga dagiti tourist spots ti kitaen da, no di ket dagiti iPinukpuk—no kasano da nga mang-welcome kadagiti bisita, ti hospitality ken respeto mi kanyayo a bisita ti ili mi. Sumkad Pinukpuk!” Pelila concluded.