Tourism promotion via bike tour

LAOAG CITY, Dec. 18 — In celebration of the “Damili Festival”, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte will promote its historical background and tourist spots through riding a bike.

Dubbed as ‘Bike-for-a-Cause,’ bikers from the different towns and cities of Ilocos Norte will take a bicycle ride around the town of San Nicolas exploring their rich culture and enticing tourist destinations.

From the municipal hall, that was made of bricks through “panagdamili” or potter-making, the bikers will go to the town plaza, which is also known for its unique brick-made floor and walls.

Also, the bikers will be promoting the giant pot or “banga” in Ilocano. This is the center of attraction upon entering the said town and this serves as the town’s trademark as well.

After which, the bikers will pass by at the old church of San Nicolas de Tolentino which is also made with bricks. Tourists often visit the church because of its antique-like built.

San Nicolas was known for its “Panagdamili” or pottery. It is the resident’s main livelihood in the town, where most of them sell pots, bricks, and other figurines made of clay.

Other spots are the Water Impounding project where families used to have their get together, the Walking Heritage Trail that commences from Municipal Hall, Plaza and to heritage houses in town.

Rhea Simon of the mayor’s office said that the activity aims to promote the town’s rich culture and beautiful spots to further encourage tourists to visit their town as well as the whole province.

Aside from it, the town will also adopt Santa Monica Day care center where the proceeds from the bike-for-a-cause activity will be given.

This project is spearheaded by Ilocos Norte Tour Guide Association (INTGA) and will kick off today. (JCR/CJD-PIA-1 Ilocos Norte)