Support domestic tourism: It’s more fun in Dipolog City

A recent quick weekend escapade with six of my friends, from Quezon City to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, was an exhilarating experience that I would like to highly recommend in support of domestic tourism.

What makes Dipolog worth going to? Let me count the ways.

1. Traffic is an unknown word in Dipolog, just perfect for time-conscious travelers. One’s mobility is never hampered by traffic. People can arrive at one’s destination at a precise time.

2. Small tourist-friendly airport that can be accessed via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

3. Zero plastic bags for grocery items. No litter on streets at any given time. The superbly clean streets are excellent for long walks within the city.

4. Excellent gustatory dining experience that is cost-friendly compared to other highly urbanized and commercialized cities.

5. Pedestrians are highly respected. No taxis or buses ply within the city. Tricycles are budget-friendly and provide very effective mode of transportation.

6. Wet market offers an array of fresh catch of marine products that are very affordable.

7. Safe place to explore with extra-hospitable and peace-loving locals.

Moreover, Dipolog City, the “Gateway to Western Mindanao,” is popular for its sardine industry because of its rich fishing area off its shores. No wonder it’s tagged as the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines.” While the long stretch of Dipolog Sunset Boulevard is a seamless safe haven for exercise and leisure be it day or at night.

Kudos to the city mayor and other key officials of the city! The local government unit is obviously doing its own share of keeping the Philippine economy afloat through its low-key yet commendable means of running the city, which makes it very tourist-friendly.

An added bonus to explore is Dapitan City, just adjacent to Dipolog, where our Philippine national hero Jose Rizal lived the life of a political exile for a number of years. The Rizal Shrine tourist attraction site should not be missed. Do not forego as well dropping by any of the newly developed super budget-friendly lines of white sand beaches in the area.

Indeed, it’s more fun in Dipolog City. The place is simply amazing and highly impressive. My friends and I would not get tired going back for the nth time. And prove me wrong after you have visited Dipolog.

BELEN DOCENA-ASUELO,

bdasuelo@yahoo.com