By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Nueva Vizcaya reopened its skies to paragliding on Friday, April 3, with the launch of the “Skyridge” take-off site in Barangay Tiblac, Ambaguio, ending a two-year lull in organized flying activities.

The event, dubbed the “Grand Re-Awakening,” formally revived paragliding operations in the province and signaled its renewed push as an adventure tourism destination.

Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito led the inauguration rites alongside Department of Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, Ambaguio Mayor Ronelio B. Danao, and paragliding pioneer Violet Lucasi.

The Skyridge site will host organized flights and competitions, with landing designated at Green Lake View Adventure Park in Barangay Masoc, Bayombong.

Lucasi said activities lined up for the reopening include the Skymazing Race, a solo flight competition, tandem flights, and a target-landing contest.

Pilots from South Korea, Indonesia, and Germany joined the event, highlighting its growing international appeal.

Governor Gambito said the relaunch is expected to boost local tourism, create economic opportunities for hospitality and outdoor recreation enterprises, and expand Nueva Vizcaya’s reach among both domestic and international adventure travelers.

He added that establishing a paragliding pilot school in the province is a priority initiative under his administration. The program aims to develop local talent, professionalize training, and strengthen safety standards as Nueva Vizcaya builds its air sports industry.