Last Sunday, Mayor Alice visited Agpay Falls. She was accompanied by her sisters, former Congresswoman Marlyn Primicias-Agabas , Tayug Vice Mayor Lorna Primicias , Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Manangan and Councilor Queen Descargar. Agpay Falls ,
once known as a favorite summer picnic spot for tourists in this part of the country, remains a shadow of its old splendor, despite the improvement works being conducted for its rehabilitation.
“Which is why to temporarily shut it down from visiting tourists is a need to pave way for the much needed development as well as to ensure the safety of everyone,” she said, while noting the exposure of dangerous natural conditions such as its steep slopes and trails.
Mayor Alice said there are a lot to be considered before reopening Agpay Falls and the local government is trying its best to prepare and work on it within the given timeline.
In an earlier announcement, Mayor Alice said the falls will be closed until November 30.
The nature spot, which is the gateway to yet another famed Pinsal Falls, is home to a channel of trails, most of them needing improvement to ensure safer crossing among its habitues.
It is also apparent that the recreation area where the tourists wade and swim is not yet that safe considering the presence of protruding rocks on its sides. The entire perimeter also needs to be checked for the possible presence of poisonous animals that can be an added threat to the visiting tourists.
“We have to consider all angles here, everything that would endanger the well-being of our tourists before we finally open its doors for tourism purposes,” the mayor said, adding “We are even considering the putting up of lifeguards to make sure that swimmers will be safe when entering on the recreation area.”
Another area that is being considered by the local government is the imposition of rules on proper waste disposal with the garbage that could be generated with the influx of tourists in the area.
Agpay Falls has been listed as a protected area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Years of neglect resulted to what it is now and we are actually back to square one but it’s worth it. Restoring one of our town’s most popular spots is really worth all our efforts,” Mayor Alice said.
Aside from the restoration of pathwalks and trail improvements, Agpay Falls needs to be landscaped to transform the now unappealing facade and recreation site into a welcoming water park to inspire greater awe from its visitors.
Alicia L. Primicias – Enriquez
