Cafgu shrine attracts more tourists in Nueva Ecija
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MANILA — What was once an empty and unknown location in Laur, Nueva Ecija has now become a perfect site for people looking for a place of devotion and serenity while being surrounded by nature.
The CAFGU Shrine was named after the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and cadres whose efforts led to the success of the shrine’s construction, it is a giant white cross atop a hill with a path made with stone stairs.
The 34-foot shrine complements the breathtaking view of Nueva Ecija’s rice and corn granary as its mountain scenery stands in the home of the country’s 70th Infantry Battalion in the 7th Infantry Division.
When it was completed and made accessible to the public on Dec. 15, many visitors have seen its splendor and the number continues to grow.
As of January 30, the local government unit has recorded 3,926 people who paid a call in the shrine.
In a statement, the Philippine Army cited that the CAFGU, whose task is to prevent the resurgence of insurgency to the communities cleared by the AFP, “did a great job in revamping the site and bringing a new attraction to the place”.
Lt. Col. Edwin M. Paredes, former Commanding Officer, 70IB, 7ID, with the guidance of former 7ID, PA Commander and Current Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., was inspired to create an identifying mark of deep dedication to God and love for the country.
“The shrine was aimed to foster a significant symbol — the vision was to make the place as a tourist site and a locale for devotion, something the community lacks until the erection of the structure,” Paredes said in a statement.
Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, 7ID Commander, continued the efforts of Gen. Santos. Lt. Col. Thomas Dominic Baluga, the previous commanding officer of 70IB before Paredes, during his tenure from March 2018 to March 2019, and supervised the building of the structure originally constructed with the initial height of around 18 feet.
In time, they saw great potential in the area that cannot be wasted.
The site is surrounded by a natural view and they intended to make the shrine as majestic as the mountain scenery encompassing it.
With the present altitude, shrine-goers can get a glimpse of what’s waiting for them on top and make the journey even more meaningful.
This thought seemed to reap what it sows as the number of visitors increases as time goes by. Some guests even posted their video blogs and reviews of the place expressing their satisfaction with their visit and appreciation of nature.
Due to the regular visit to the shrine, tricycle drivers of Barangay Canantong are often busy providing their services to the visitors.
With this, their income was boosted and was expected to increase even in the future. The community is also expected to harvest the benefits from the opportunity of livelihood the shrine offers in the hopes of improving the agro-tourism of the barangay.
Visitors and tourists are encouraged to visit the CAFGU Shrine to experience the tranquility and quiet time with nature and God.
Capt. Laurencio Panit Jr. hopes that the CAFGUs and cadres be reminded that “di lang [tayo] dapat warrior, dapat may pananalig din [tayo] sa Diyos (we should not just be warriors, we should also have faith in God”.
