MANAOAG: The fourth district of Pangasinan, encompassing Dagupan City and the towns of San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, and Manaoag, is expanding its appeal to visitors beyond the renowned Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag. This district, previously known for its religious tourism, is now offering a variety of attractions including farms, handicraft shops, and scenic views.
According to Philippines News Agency, the district saw approximately 5.2 million tourist visits to the pilgrimage site in Manaoag town in 2023, marking it as the top tourist destination in the province. Despite the high number of visitors, most only stayed for a day. However, new attractions related to the Lady of Manaoag are gaining interest, as noted by municipal tourism operations officer Brendon Natividad. Among these are the Virgin’s Well and Amber’s Paradise, a hotel resort, which together attracted over 60,000 visitors this year. Faith tourism remains prominent, with tours including visits to a sampaguita farm in B
arangay Baritao.
In addition to faith tourism, the district is home to a thriving handicraft industry. Manaoag’s Sibayan Handicraft, established in 1985 by Rodrigo Sibayan, exemplifies this, supplying products to major retail stores across the nation. The local economy benefits from diverse offerings such as sampaguita-flavored ice cream and calamansi-flavored products, which draw tourists seeking unique culinary experiences.
The district is also focusing on promoting its “ExplorePD4 Heritage Tour” campaign, spearheaded by outgoing Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and supported by the Department of Tourism and local government units. This initiative aims to highlight the region’s historical and cultural sites, increasing its attractiveness as a tourist destination. Upcoming events such as the Paskuhan and Galicayo Festival further underscore the vibrant cultural life in the area.