PILAR, Bataan – The longest zip line in Luzon known as the Mt. Samat Zipline was inaugurated on Saturday simultaneous with the blessing of the P37-million Flaming Sword marker and municipal hall here.
No less than Pilar Mayor Carlos Pizarro, Jr. tried the 540-meter long zip from the launch pad at the rear area of the Mt. Samat Firing Range with breath-taking view of the green mountain and rice paddies below to the Dunsulan Falls.
Alice Pizarro, Pilar tourism council chair, said the ride to a height of 43 meters above sea level costs P350 per person. One could either ride a shuttle or hike from the foot of the historic mountain in Barangay Diwa to the launch pad.
Riders at the end of the zipline will land and step out to a hanging bridge and stairs down the ground in Dunsulan Falls.
Next to be inaugurated and administered blessing rites by Bishop Ruperto Santos of the diocese of Balanga were the Pilar municipal hall, the Flaming Sword marker and the Office of Senior Citizens.
A representative of Vice-Pres. Jejomar Binay and Dinalupihan town Mayor Joel Payumo, president of the Bataan Mayors’ League, cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Renovation cost for the 42-year old municipal hall and the Flaming Sword marker was placed at P37 million, including expenses for office furniture and equipment. All offices are monitored by CCTV.
Pizarro said the completion of the municipal hall was made possible through the assistance of Gov. Enrique Garcia and Rep. Albert Garcia and a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines. Binay allocated funds for the renovation of the Office of Senior Citizens.
