ORANI, Bataan — Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos has predicted that Bgy.Tala, known for its cold weather, sky rise mountains and unique environment, will become the Tagaytay of Bataan.
“Our vision is to see Bgy. Tala become the Tagaytay of Bataan,” Bishop Santos told newsmen in a press briefing that was attended by former National Security Adviser Norby Gonzales and his daughter Atty. Marie Gonzales-Molina.
The Gonzales family bought around 500 hectares of forest land here where the famous Santuario Diocesano de la Sagrada Familia is being established and donated it to the Diocese of Bataan.
Although he clarified that his family had no more plans to enter into politics, Norby Gonzales pointed out that he and his family decided to share their wealth by donating the huge area for the Sagrada where the faithful can use it.
“Yong biyaya ng Diyos na binigay kay Sec. Gonzales ay di niya pinagkait dahil sa paglilingkod sa Diyos at sa Bataan; Ipinagkatiwala niya ang sarili sa Diocese,” said Bishop Santos.
Bishop Santos praised Gonzales for coming back to his native Bataan, saying, “Regalo ito ng Diyos sa kanya at ibinigay naman niya naman ito sa mga tao.”
The Balanga Bishop said that aside from their plan to put up a communion center, they are also constructing a Shrine which devotees can visit anytime.
The Bishop, however, appealed to the public to limit their visits here on Saturdays and Sundays to give enough time for the construction workers who are rushing for its completion.
What impressed newsmen is the vow of the former Cabinet member to shoulder the salaries of the 262 workers who have been working for eight months.
“Habang buhay ako ay handang tumulong dito at susuportahan ko ang mga plano dito ni Bishop Santos,” Gonzales added.
Meanwhile, tourists are expected to visit Mt. Natib in Tala, Orani, Bataan with the ongoing improvement of an access road leading to the famous hiking destination.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) disclosed that the 3.3-kilometer access road leading to Mt. Natib is now 80 percent complete and will be finished by April this year.
“As the country’s tourism is slowly easing to normal to aid national recovery, DPWH is also fast-tracking the concreting of the Mulawin-Tala Road going to Bataan National Park,” DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said.
But even before the completion of the Sagrada, newsmen learned that around 10,000 tourists and devotees visited here in just a span of one day.
“We are also planning to set up hotels and houses to accommodate visitors and make the area sa one-stop-shop,” added the Balanga bishop.
