MANILA — Firming up her commitment to promote domestic tourism, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the inauguration of the biggest theme park in the Visayas and Mindanao — Gloria’s Fantasyland.
The Chief Executive, Gloria’s Fantasyland owner former congressman Romeo Jalosjos of the first district of Zamboanga del Norte, and other local officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to signal the opening of the park just in time for the start of the Hudyaka Zanorte Festival, Zamboanga del Norte province’s grand festivities.
After the ceremony, the President joined 50 indigent children ride the swinger, a 32-seater circular contraption with colorful light decorations.
The five-hectare theme park is comparable to Disneyland, featuring rides such as the giant roller coaster, mini train, choco cup, midi flume, carousel, Apollo, bumper car, horror house, swinger, and among others.
Jalosjos said the theme park is envisioned to be the Disneyland of the Philippine and is designed for the poor so they can experience the amenities without having to go to Hong Kong, Japan or the U.S.
According to Jalosjos, the theme park cost 200 million pesos and is now 99 percent complete.
A total of 2,500 local residents have been employed in since its construction started two years ago. “When fully operational, some 1,500 local residents will be given employment in the theme park,” Jalosjos said. (PIA)
domestic tourism, gloria's fantasyland, Mindanao, pgma, theme park, visayas
