SANTOL, a small mountain town in the eastern part of La Union, is now more accessible to tourists with the completion of a three-kilometer access road, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced Thursday. “The town thrives in the industry of agriculture. More than the boost in tourism, we also want to assist the public in economic opportunities while guaranteeing their safety,” DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said in a statement. The La Union provincial government’s Website describes Santol, with a population of just over 12,000, as “ideal for biking and motorcycling enthusiasts, while its verdant and unspoiled surroundings will be a treat for nature-lovers.” Among its nature spots are the Municipal Tree Park, Sasaba Rice Terraces, several waterfalls, Native Tomb, and Amburayan River. It is also known for its abundant harvest of fruits such as rambutan, lanzones, mango, watermelon, and santol (cotton fruit) after which the town is named. Its annual town fiesta, the Ragragsakan and Panagbunga Festival, is celebrated March 22–25.

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