Visitors trek to Magsaysay crash site

YESTERDAY’S commemoration of the 55th death anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay in Mt. Manunggal in Balamban town, Cebu, drew more than 400 guests from around the country.

Balamban Councilor Dave Karamihan said the municipal government made the roads leading to the crash site of the presidential plane more accessible as part of efforts to promote it as a tourist site.

A Mass was held near the site, the  destination of  an annual trek by mountaineers and nature lovers  from Cebu City.

Magsaysay’s grandson, Paco Magsaysay, led the wreath laying at the Magsaysay Shrine and judged a  painting contest on the Mt. Manunggal scenery. The 2nd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force offered a a  21-gun salute.

Karamihan said they expect many local and foreign tourists to camp out at the site this year due to  aggressive online promotions.

The Climbathon on March 19 and Mountain Bike Challenge on March 20 are  activities lined up including a disco and parlor games for the campers.

There are plans to set up a mini-museum and more  facilities in the crash site, which has a wide flat area ideal for a campsite and  gently rolling  slopes.

Karamihan said the  proposed tourism package will be reviewed by the Capitol. The Magsaysay family is also  helping  with the information drive.

On March 17, 1957, President Magsaysay died after the presidential plane Mt. Pinatubo crashed on  the tip of Mt. Manunggal.

Since then, local residents and the Augustinian priests of San Jose Recoletos have worked to promote the area. The cool mountain climate and historical value of the site have drawn mountain trekkers and nature lovers to the area. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus