Isabela preparing for annual pilgrimage

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor yesterday said Glory Hill, located in the town’s Barangay Mansablay, is ready to receive pilgrims for this year’s Holy Week.

Malabor said the local government has already prepared Glory Hill, which features a 45-foot giant steel cross for both local and foreign devotees who trek to the locale every Lenten season.

The mayor said he expects this year’s pilgrims will exceed last year’s numbers.

Malabor noted, the trail up the hill, where the cross is located, has been widened, which he credited to local businessman Frankie Uy, in order to accommodate for more trekkers.

He added, efforts by the municipal government are geared towards making the area an eco-tourism site.

Located in a hilly portion of the said barangay, the trail up to Glory Hill typically takes about an hour and a half to reach the top.

Along the way, the 14 stations of the cross are strategically located along the route, where one can stop to either rest or meditate.

Aside from the giant cross, once atop the mount, it offers a view of the Isabela’s landscape with Mount Kanlaon in the background.

At the rear of the giant cross, one can set up camp for the night./DGB, WDJ