Calesas, horseback-riding make a comeback in Dagupan
MAKE way for horse-drawn carriages, locally known as calesas, which were popular modes of transport in Dagupan during the 50’s and 60’s.
The local government is re-introducing these modes of transport in the city as a treat for tourists in the evenings.
City Administrator Alvin Fernandez, who helped organize the Salisay Calesa Drivers and Operators Association that pledged to commute tourists at night when vehicular traffic is relatively lighter, said apart from the calesas, horseback-riding will also be introduced at the Bonuan area.
There are 25 calesas that are operating in Dagupan and most if not all of them are from Barangay Salisay in eastern Dagupan.
All the owners of these will make available their calesas for transport within the city and the horses for leisurely rides, similar to the horseback-riding services offered in two of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Baguio City and Boracay Island.
Seeing the calesas as a vital cog in stimulating tourism in the city, Councilor Alfie Fernandez, elder brother of Alvin, is mulling over an ordinance that seeks to regulate the operations of the horse-drawn vehicles in the city, fixing a definite time for their operations.
City Administrator Fernandez said the horseback -riding side will be done in the morning and afternoon along the road in Barangay Bonuan Binloc, while the horses are not drawing calesas which would be scheduled in the evenings.
The calesas will be in full force during the city fiesta next month and will be assigned a waiting area.
“We would like to be known, aside from our beach and bangus as having calesas and horseback- riding that will really delight tourists and prolong their stay in the city,” Fernandez said.—LM
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
