PALO, Leyte—This town is planning a new tourism program in memory of those who perished during the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ in 2013.
A few years back, the local government here conceptualized 4Ps-Pamalandong (Holy Week) in every March or April, Patron (fiesta) in August, Pagbalik (Leyte Gulf Landing Commemoration) in October, and Pasko (Christmas) in December.
4Ps is a local tourism program launched by Mayor Remedios Petilla. In this initiative, all significant events in their town are being presented as a package for all tourists. These activities have drawn tourists to their town, she said.
Petilla said the program will soon be dubbed as 5Ps with the inclusion of Paghinumdum or remembering those who died when Super Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ ravaged their town on Nov. 8, 2013.
“There is a big possibility that the Paghinumdum event will be included in the program, especially that many people will come home for the commemoration of the event, to pay their respects to their dead loved ones,” she said.
Petilla is hopeful that with the inclusion of Paghinumdum, local tourism will be more vibrant and meaningful.