Summer is More Fun in Region One - DOT

From surfing, beach-combing to pilgrimage visits, the Ilocos and Pangasinan region is a one-stop summer hub for tourists.

Divine Quedding of the Department of Tourism said Region 1 is the place to be for those looking for a breather from school and work.

“Local and foreign tourists usually go to beaches and landmarks during summer here,” Quedding said.

Each province offers a refreshing treat for kids and adults to have fun and share quality time together.

“In Pangasinan, you have beaches and adventures. The towns of Bolinao, Dasol, Lingayen Anda and Bani among the most common places where people go,” said Quedding.

Surfing in San Juan town is also one of the water activities that the province of La Union is known for.

Pilgrimage sites in Paoay and in Sto. Domingo in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, respectively are also in demand during Holy Week.

Surfing in La Union via best-surfbeach.com

Reports from the DOT showed an increasing visitor entry in the region during summer season in 2012 and in 2013.

In 2012, of the 674,873 visitors from January to December, 197,502 tourists flocked to Ilocos during the summer period while 722,000 tourists out of 217,526 stayed in the region during the same period last year.

The Department of Education (DepEd), however, reminds parents to encourage their children to be proactive during their school break.

Darius Nieto, DepEd information officer, said parents can urge their kids to engage themselves in productive yet enjoyable activities such as enrolling in a Sports Clinic, Arts and Music classes, doing community services or joining in summer camps.

“Staying active during summer months can make children stay away from playing computers or any other gadgets,” said Nieto.

DepEd has also encouraged volunteers to participate in the yearly Brigada Eskwela in May.

Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort which started in 2003, bringing together teachers, parents, students and the community to do clean up and repairs in public schools to prepare the facilities for the June school opening. (MCA/Joanne Namnama G. Parrocha/PIA1-La Union)