Pueblo Viejo community supports search for Enriquillo’s remains and plans tourism and economic boost

Pueblo Viejo, Azua.– The community of Pueblo Viejo enthusiastically welcomed the archaeological project that seeks to locate the remains of the cacique Enriquillo, considering it a historic opportunity for the cultural, tourist, and economic development of the province of Azua and the Southern region.

Residents, entrepreneurs, historians, cultural managers, and local authorities agree that the enhancement of the ruins of the church Las Mercedes could turn the area into a reference for historical and religious tourism, with a direct impact on employment and the revitalization of the local economy.

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The initiative “Following the remains of Enriquillo,” promoted by the Macarrulla Foundation and supported by PROPEEP, is carrying out excavations in the ruins of Pueblo Viejo until February 28, as part of more than a decade of research. The paragraph Rafael Cuello stated that the discovery would strengthen religious tourism and place the community on the national and international map. In the same vein, residents like Rafael Enrique García valued the project as a long-awaited “blessing” for the Southern region. Businessmen and cultural managers highlight that the excavations are already generating economic movement, in line with the so-called orange economy. In addition, the historian Rannel Báez recalled that the ruins are under evaluation for a possible declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which would reinforce their tourism projection. Mayor Víctor Figuereo emphasized that the project places the municipality in a relevant chapter of history and will contribute to its integral development. For her part, archaeologist Kathleen Martínez highlighted that, according to international experience, archaeological sites tend to become tourist attractions, and she emphasized the joint work with the community. The project’s CEO, Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla, appreciated the support of the residents and stated that the search has awakened hope and a sense of belonging in Pueblo Viejo.