Isabela braces for ‘Glory Hill’ pilgrims

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Isabela, Negros Occidental is bracing for a rush of visitors as many are expected to go on a pilgrimage to Glory Hill, located in the town’s Barangay Mansablay, in observance of Holy Week.

Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor estimates there will be around 50,000 visitors and devotees who will climb up the hill regarded as a “Holy Mountain.”

Visitors often climb to the top of the hill, where they are greeted by a 45-foot steel cross. Along the way, they pass the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The summit also offers a view of the town.

Malabor said the path has been cleaned up and widened, noting, the number of visitors has increased over the years.

He added, the town has 30,000 visitors during last year’s Holy Week observance.

Local police and force multipliers have been assigned to oversee security in the area.

Last July, Isabela was included among the top three priority area for development by the Department of Tourism. The designation provides the locality an opportunity to utilize programs and projects by the agency to develop the area into a tourism destination.

At the time, Malabor said one of his proposed projects was the establishment of an “eco-village,” which would involve 11,000 household and costs P2.5 billion./DGB, WDJ