CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Home to centuries-old churches dating back to the Spanish colonial period, the province of Laguna is set to launch its pilgrimage tourism program on November 22, aiming to boost local tourism and further sustain the province’s cultural and economic growth.
The initiative is among the priority programs identified by Governor Sol Aragones, who said she seeks to strengthen faith, preserve Laguna’s heritage, and attract more visitors as the province positions itself as a heritage-rich destination and a living sanctuary where faith and tradition converge.
“Hindi lamang po talento, hindi lamang produkto ang maaaring matagpuan sa lalawigan ng Laguna. Marami po sa atin kapag Mahal na Araw o may bakasyon tayo, pupunta tayo sa Jerusalem o iba’t ibang bansa para tuklasin kung gaano kaganda ang kanilang mga simbahan. Pero ngayon, bukod po sa kanila, ang Laguna ay ila-launch na sa November ang pilgrimage tourism,” the governor earlier said in a statement.
The Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Trade Office announced that the program will be launched at the Baroque-style National Shrine and Parish of San Antonio de Padua in Pila, Laguna.
Known for its rich history and spiritual significance, the Pila church will serve as the central venue for the launch, bringing together pilgrims, local officials, and community members in a celebration of faith and heritage.
According to the Laguna Provincial Information Office (PIO), the pilgrimage route will proceed to several notable churches in the province, including the Minor Basilica and Parish of Saint Gregory the Great in Majayjay—recently elevated to the rank of basilica by the late Pope Francis—and the Saint Peter of Alcántara Parish Church in Pakil, renowned for the miraculous image of Our Lady of Turumba.
The route will also include the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish Church in Mabitac, famous for its 126-step stairway that offers pilgrims a serene space for reflection while overlooking Laguna’s scenic landscape.
Traders and exhibitors from various localities are expected to participate in the Laguna Tourism Bazaar, to be held alongside the launching event.
“This milestone is not just an event—it is a celebration of the stories, devotion, and cultural identity that continue to shape the heart and soul of Laguna. Join us as Laguna strengthens its identity as a home of faith, history, culture, and living traditions—inviting travelers, pilgrims, and culture bearers to experience stories written across centuries,” the tourism office said in a statement.
The provincial government encourages all parishes, civil society organizations, tour operators, and Catholic pilgrims to actively support and take part in the program.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga makasaysayang simbahan, layunin nitong palakasin ang damdamin ng komunidad, pagkakakilanlan, at layunin sa parehong mga residente at bisita. Hindi lamang ito simpleng ruta ng pananampalataya, kundi isang pagkakataon upang tuklasin ang pananalig, kasaysayan, at sama-samang debosyon sa isang malalim na karanasan,” the PIO added.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2020 Census, Roman Catholicism remains the predominant religion in Laguna, with 2,974,154 members. (CH/PIA-Laguna)