Masantol: The next top tourism destination in Pampanga

Masantol town, recognized as one of the most historic and religious municipality located at the Southmost part of province, continue to progress and boast its potential as pride of Pampanga.

Known for its rich seafood industry, Masantol has been a famed exporter of various aquatic delicacies such as shrimps, prawns, crabs, crablets, clams, tilapia and other kinds of fish.

Second termer Mayor Danilo Guintu even created the Seafoods Festival celebrated during summer season to highlight its affluent market.

“It is our way of promoting our products as we are recognized with the highest supply of seafoods not only in Pampanga but the whole of Central Luzon,” he stressed.

The municipality is also batting to be the next tourism destination in Pampanga as it is set to showcase the beauty of Pampanga River through a river cruise.

Inspired by the floating restaurants in Loboc River in Bohol, Guintu said that environmental cruise will feature the almost five kilometer rio de grande leading to the mouth of Manila Bay.

During the cruise, visitors will be able to experience touring along the river while enjoying native food on board small a bancas or floating restaurant.

“Home-grown foods and delicacies like our seafoods, crab paste and the well-known buro or fermented fish will be served on our floating restaurants,” he said.

The local government is also eyeing a conduct of cultural shows which will showcase some of the ethnic dances and activies of Kapampangans, he added.

And aside from its aquatic treasures, Masantol is also becoming a home for thousands of migratory birds which visit the town’s coastal line.

During summer season, different kinds of migratory birds are seen flocking along the harbors of Masantol, which is considered the borderline of Pampanga River and Manila Bay.

To explore such beauty, the local government here will also soon offer bird watching tours alongside the river cruise during specific times.

A platform of the perfect spot to view the migratory birds is also planned to be installed for the pleasure of bird enthusiasts and tourists.

“We are currently developing and enriching our river in preparation for our biggest tourism project yet,” he said.

*Photos during ATOP tour in Masantol which was highlighted by an environmental cruise in Pampanga river, and bird watching tours of students. Photos Courtesy of Masantol Tourism Office.