After hogging headlines as host to illegal POGO operations, provincial executives are resurrecting plans for the town to be known also as a tourism site with its several tunnels used during World War II.
“We hope to give Bamban (town) a different look,” Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said in a media conference.
Yap said that the provincial government can now push for the promotion of tourism in Bamban, highlighting the more than 200 Japanese tunnels in the town. Bamban is in close proximity to the Kamikaze birthplace and Clark Field that was bombed by the Japanese forces during World War II.
She said that efforts for the restoration, preservation and promotion of the tunnels had been halted by the investigations on POGO that has led to the ouster of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and the suspension of many of its local officials including its Vice Mayor.
“This was shelved and now we are promoting it once again. Even the historical markers and the (old) train stations,” Yap said.
She clarified that even in the midst of the POGO controversy, residents of Bamban have gone their usual lives and have “not been affected.”
“The dark part is already past us. The people are united to bounce back from bad image caused by the pogo incidents,” she added.
The town, which will be staging its annual Bamban Festival this January, is also known for its Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, the iconic Bamban bridge, and caves used by Gen. Francisco Makabulos during the revolt against Spaniards in the country.
Prior to the multiple raids on many Pogo facilities in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga, Yap has taken a stand against the operation of said illegal business operations.
Relatedly, Yap said that talks are still on with Captain Joy Roa for Tarlac’s continued hosting of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
She however said that for 2025, the event may wait until December due to lack of preparations. The Bases Conversion Development Authority has a 5-year contract with organizers of PIHABF for the holding of the grand spectacle at the New Clark City that straddles Bamban and Capas towns of Tarlac province.
