By Dexter A. See Posted on Oct. 21, 2012 at 12:03am
Bokod — Weekend vacationers flock to Ambuklao Dam on Oct. 26 to enjoy an extra day of adventure in “Finding Nature’s Hidden Treasure” of Benguet province.
Mayor Mauricio Macai said the hydroelectric plant built in the 1950s was fast regaining its luster as a travel destination among ecology-minded tourists.
Ambuklao trail overlooks dam spillway and takes trekkers to feast on freshly caught tilapia and carp.
“We want to show how Bokod can help advance the ecotourism industry which is expected to entice more foreign and domestic nature lovers,” he told Manila Standard.
As a travel genre, the Bangui wind turbines in Ilocos Norte, Maria Cristina Falls at the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant in Mindanao and other power infrastructure sites have become part of the mainstream itinerary.
Municipal tourism officer Elinger Dayotao said the three-day break lined up trekking led by guides trained jointly by the town and SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, operator of the dam.
The trail takes hikers on a scenic route overlooking the dam’s spillway at 752 meters above sea level, onto two peaks and an outdoor experience on well-appointed camping grounds.
A boat cruise on the 7.5 square kilometer reservoir hooks up with a tilapia festival for visitors to feast on fresh, organically grown fish.
The powerplant closed down after the July 1990 earthquake which left the reservoir heavily silted. It was revived by SN Aboitiz in 2008 with a $325-million bid to repair two generators and increase the output from 105 to 125 megawatts.
Ambuklao dam resumed supplying the Luzon Grid in October 2011.
In 2001, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources allowed residents in the dam premises to raise tilapia and carp in the reservoir not only for their household needs but for livelihood as well.
According to Dayotao, discovering Ambuklao’s treasures also includes the Heritage programme, allowing participants a taste of highland culture capped by the awarding of certificates and souvenirs.
Native fare is known for pinikpikan, a chicken stew prepared in the traditional tribal recipe to go with tapuy rice wine, and Cordillera coffee among other indigenous specialties.
Dayotao said inquiries and reservations can be made through Claire Prudencio of the Benguet Tourism Office e-mail: ambuklao_adventure@yahoo.com and on landline (074)4221116.
Bokod is 41 kilometers from Baguio City and 64 kilometers from Aritao junction in Nueva Vizcaya. source
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