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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Return of 'kalesa' to revive Laoag industrial heritage tourism

Return of 'kalesa' to revive Laoag industrial heritage tourism

Published Feb 1, 2022 06:58 am

LAOAG CITY – "Kalesas" or horse-drawn carriages in decorative lights will soon be available for public transport along the main thoroughfares of this city as the province of Ilocos Norte moves to revive its industrial heritage.

Meant to attract tourists, including locals, who may wish to experience a kalesa ride around the city while providing livelihood to the dwindling number of "kutseros" (carriage driver), the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office reported Monday, Feb. 1, that at least seven kalesa operators were selected to join in the pilot run of the kalesa lighted evening tour.

‘KALESA’ RIDE. A "kalesa" (horse-drawn carriage) evening tour will soon be available in Laoag City as part of the provincial government's efforts to jumpstart tourism and economic recovery. (File photo courtesy of Alaric Yanos/PNA/Manila Bulletin)

Provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said selected kalesa operators are all experienced, skilled, and they have expressed interest to join the pilot run of the project which is expected to kick off this February in time for the 204th foundation anniversary of Ilocos Norte as a province.

Backing this move, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) or the Ilocos Norte board on Monday unanimously approved an urgent resolution authorizing Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to enter into a memorandum of agreement with various kalesa operators in the province.

“The proposed kalesa lighted evening tour is something that we have been working (on) for a while now as part of our tourism and economic recovery programs. The design includes a metal frame attached to the kalesa to make it attractive to the riding public,” Raquel told members of the Ilocos Norte board prior to the approval of the measure on Monday.

He said the project also forms part of the government’s mandate "to provide a balance between modernization and the protection of heritage and the livelihood derived from it.”

Though kalesa remains an alternative mode of transportation, the number of kutseros has dwindled over the years due to public transport modernization.

The return of horse-drawn carriages here benefits the commuters amid the continuing fare hikes resulting from rising prices of petroleum products.

Before the pandemic, a kalesa ride cost P11 for a short trip not exceeding one kilometer.

The kalesa was introduced in the country by the Spaniards during the 18th century. Back then, it was only the rich people who could afford this mode of transportation.

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