Solsona opens new eco-tourism destination

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Solsona, Ilocos Norte—Converting its 6.3 million diversion dam into what is now called as an emerging eco-tourism destination, the Solsona government launched on Sept. 29 the re-birth of tourism here, offering various recreational and water sports activities for local and foreign tourists.

In time for the birthday celebration of Solsona mayor Jonathan de Lara, hundreds of visitors mostly local tourism stakeholders of the province visited the Aguitap Diversion Dam, the Department of Agriculture funded as additional source of water to sustain the growth of plants especially during summer.

Offering a majestic view of pine trees and crystal clear running water ideal for white water rafting, boating and swimming, the local government of Solsona has started to promote the site for picnickers.

Since it is a relatively new destination, Mr. De Lara said access to the site which is just about six-minute drive from the town proper is still “free admission”, pending the approval of the municipal tourism code, members of the town council is set to deliberate by early October.

Aside from the Aguitap diversion dam, Solsona, popularly known as the zone of the rising sun in Ilocos Norte is also gifted with rich natural resources including its much sought after exotic foods and products.

The Karingking river resort and waterfalls in Solsona town also boasts of clear and cool water especially during summer. Hundreds of local and foreign tourists visit this site as their favorite picnic ground.

After the soft launching on Sept. 29, Mr. De Lara said the local government unit is planning to open the Sona del Sol river exotic restaurant, featuring exotic Ilokano cuisine in this municipality such as deep fried giant frogs, ants eggs, snail, sinursuran, sariwagwag, agurong and many others.

Downstream the Sabu dam project in Solsona also offers water tubing activity to add up picnickers’ activity.

Meanwhile, the Dua-dua Falls found at the eastern mountainous part of Barangay Manalpac is also a favorite destination for mountain climbers as trekking is made all the more exciting because of the physical attribute of the pathway traveled to reach the falls.