Nayong Pilipino is a cultural theme park that focuses on Filipino culture and all that it has to offer. Before its temporary closure, the park drew in busloads of students, as well as crowds of tourists and visitors.

This October, Nayong Pilipino will be opening its doors once more to students and tourists, after its temporary closure due to various rehabilitation projects that are currently underway.

The rehabilitation project does not promise to rebuild the Nayong Pilipino in Clark, as properties around the park have been acquired by the government for other projects. Old fixtures from the park will remain, such as the replicas of the Ifugao rice terraces; the Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan; and the house of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Michelle Aguilar-Ong, executive director of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc. (NPFI), expressed her desire to utilize the park as a means of showcasing the Philippines to global audiences. The park’s rehabilitation is aligned with the country’s preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, which Aguilar-Ong views as an opportunity to further promote Philippine culture.

“The concept of a miniature Philippines is to present most of the top destinations in one setting, making it a must-visit attraction for those having limited length of stay,” she notes.

Through the reopening, Aguilar-Ong also hopes that Nayong Pilipino will encourage Filipinos to rekindle an appreciation and love for the Philippines. The rehabilitation projects have ensured that all of the programs and other activities that will be held are 100 percent Filipino-made.

“The park is paced to make sure that every visitor who comes in will have a unique cultural experience that no other theme parks could offer,” Aguilar-Ong adds.