Over the years, Palo, Leyte has been recognized as one of the famous pilgrimage destinations during Lenten Seasons. Among the religious site frequently visited is Hill 522 (Guinhangdan Hill) because of the religious landmarks found thereon, such as the Holy Cross and the La Purisima Shrine; In fact, the Local Government Unit of Palo has institutionalized the celebration of the Lenten Season and now locally known as “Pamalandong ” which is among the major religious tourism events of the local government;
Because of its historical, cultural and religious significance, Palo, Leyte has certainly gained a reputation as one of the Region’s recognized tourism and pilgrimage destination. In fact, in the past three years, visitors and pilgrimes alike who climbed the hill was estimated to have reached more than Twenty Five Thousand (25,000) during the Holy Week.
In the the past thirteen (13) years, the Palo United for Environmental Resource Sustainability Alliance (PUERSA) have been hosting this yearly BANTAY KALIBUNGAN PARA HAN GUINHANGDAN, which started as joint initiative of different youth organizations and groups to assist visitors who climb the hill and more particularly to ensure that after the celebration of the Holy Week, the Hill including all structures and the trees found thereon are protected.
This activity was formally launched in the year 2005, which highlighted the historical attributes of Hill 522, the making of the Holy Cross, the famous literatures, poems and songs in the past. This activity was triggered because of the indiscriminate and irresponsible disposal of garbage during the Holy Week.
One of the specific objectives is to enlighten everyone about the historical and religious significance of the hill, directing everyone to offer a deeper sense of repentance by not throwing their garbage everywhere.
Specific Objectives:
1. To implement Municipal Ordinance No. 2018-01 as a protected area;
2. To promote awareness of the hill’s environmental, historical, cultural and religious significance;
3. To protect all hisotrical, religious and all other structures and improvements that have been established thereat;
4. To promote Guinhangdan Hill both as an Eco-Tourism and Pilgrimage destination.
Religious & Historical Marks: Hill 522
• Holy Cross
• La Purisima Shrine
• Japanese Memorial Landmark
• Labyrinthine tunnels
• Fortified Bunkers
• Hidden pill boxes
• Viewing Decks
• Mini-Forest Reserve
