The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has launched a new faith-based tourism circuit that highlights religious and historical sites in Nueva Ecija and Aurora, aligning with the Catholic Church’s celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Dubbed “Journey of Faith and Renewal for the Jubilee Year of Hope,” the initiative supports the Church’s theme “Pilgrims of Hope” by offering spiritual and cultural travel experiences. DOT Regional Director Richard Daenos said a two-day validation tour was recently held with tour operators, guides, and content creators to explore key destinations included in the circuit.

On the first day, participants visited seven Jubilee Churches under the Diocese of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija. These included:

• Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. John the Baptist and Nuestra Señora de las Saleras in Aliaga
• Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Anthony Abbot in San Antonio
• Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and St. Augustine Parish in Jaen
• Minor Basilica and National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora and Three Kings Parish in Gapan
• St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Peñaranda
• St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral Parish in Cabanatuan City

Pilgrims received prayer cards and Diocesan pilgrimage “passports,” which were stamped at each church as a symbol of their spiritual journey. Devotees were also encouraged to pass through each Holy Door with a spirit of reflection and renewal.

The second day shifted focus to Baler, Aurora, where participants explored historic sites such as the Doña Aurora House, Baler Museum, the Baler escape tunnel, and Ermita Hill—highlighting the region’s deep historical roots.

“Our religious heritage is made even richer by our Filipino Catholic traditions, old churches, and stories that have shaped who we are,” Daenos said. “In Central Luzon, faith and history come together to inspire generations.”

The DOT aims to promote faith-based tourism as a meaningful and immersive way to discover Central Luzon’s religious and cultural legacy. (PIA 3 | Maria Asumpta Estefanie C. Reyes)