![mountarayat.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/rentaw03/2423L1na53BQsE8VERwXu4ZEsxNayLKXZe42SmULtfmhtit4piGR4FtRqdPpddnPx7TYe.jpg)




<div class="text-justify">There are many wonderful and marvelous places in this world, famous for their modern sky crapers, cathedrals, towers and superstructures, invigorating climates, beautiful tourists' belt, disneylands, and are more blessed in point of prosperity. But whatever we are in this planet there is no spot more dear to us than the land of one's birth - the town we always mention with pride. I was born and raised in the Philippines, City of Pampanga, in the Municipality of Sasmuan. 

Sasmuan, formerly known by its Spanish name Sexmoán, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines.

Sasmuan has a unique geography in that it is surrounded by fish ponds. Aquaculture has been the main industry that drives the local economy. The fish from ponds and other areas are sold at the Fish Port. The town has 2 prime business ventures and both are in the food industry.

They are important livelihood areas for communities living near the sites and are home to different endemic species of flora and fauna as well as migratory birds.

I have taken this photo on the balcony of our house and I realized how enchanting my hometown is. We are surrounded by fishponds and you can see an overview of one of the famous landforms in the Philippines, Mt. Arayat. 

Mount Arayat is an inactive volcano with no recorded historical eruptions
Mt. Arayat is not your average mountain. It has challenging trails with long steep ascents so you would do well to prepare yourself physically and mentally to last the hike. 

Established as a protected area, Mount Arayat was among the first National Parks in the Philippines and is considered as one of the most accessible parks from Manila.
Arayat National Park has sustained its healthy biological diversity, as rare native plants continuously grow in the area.” The Mt. Arayat National Park is home to 49 species of trees and plants, 86 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, and 11 species of reptiles, according to the DENR Central Luzon.

Mt. Arayat National Park is now temporarily closed to visitors. This is due to stricter health protocol being implemented in the whole province of Pampanga. </div>


#### ***Be proud of your hometown. It's a big part of what makes you the person you are.***