Guv supports tourism-infra projects of Cong. Bataoil

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Amado I. Espino, III expressed his full support to the infrastructure projects facilitated by Second District Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil for the 2nd district of Pangasinan.

Expressing gratitude for the steadfast assistance of Cong. Bataoil to boost the tourism programs of the provincial government of Pangasinan, Gov. Espino said that the projects of Cong. Bataoil will create positive impact not only on the 2nd District of Pangasinan but also on the whole province.

Second District Representative Leopoldo Bataoil shows to Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III the countless infrastructure projects undertaken by the solon while District Engineer Rodolfo Dion (2nd from right) of the Department of Public Works & Highway - 2nd Pangasinan Engineering District listens.

Cong. Bataoil presented these infra and tourism projects to Gov. Espino with other provincial officials as well as government executives from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the Capitol Resort on March 12.

In hope of enhancing the beauty of Pangasinan and its rich history, Cong. Bataoil introduced the project in Limahong Channel, located along the Agno River at the mouth of the Lingayen Gulf, that will evoke a pinch of Lingayen's history.

Limahong Channel served as the escape route of Limahong, a Chinese corsair, when he sought refuge when he was chased by the Spanish colonizers.

The construction of Limahong Channel Tourism Center, Cong. Bataoil stressed, will even more stimulate local and foreign travelers to visit the place which was earlier declared as a tourist spot by the House of the Representatives through House Bill 6682 authored by the solon in December 2017.

Aside from a tourism center, an ‘Esplanade Al-Fresco’ is also envisioned to showcase the best view of the Agno River.

"Why won't we come up with something like the Lubok River Cruise of Bohol here in Lingayen since there is a historical value of the place," he added as he underscored the great impact of Bohol's river cruise in tourism.

As such, the river cruise dock will be the primary gateway to tourists that are into nature tripping via river cruise.

Moreover, a historical marker will be placed to highlight the historical significance of the area.

He disclosed the Lingayen Baywalk Development Plan which further supports the vision of making the Lingayen Baywalk, a 13-km stretch, more than a tourist attraction but also an alternate route to accommodate the folks of Barangays Pangapisan Norte, Maniboc, Poblacion, and Libsong West in Lingayen; and Baybay Lopez, San Isidro Norte, Buenlag and Sabangan in Binmaley.

Following the great advantage of the Lingayen Baywalk, two boardwalks, 200 meters long, are set to be constructed: one near the El Puerto Marina Resort and another one in Baybay Lopez.

He also proposed a light craft ferry terminal which is considered to be set up in front of the Philippine Army Headquarters in San Isidro Norte, Binmaley that can be another mode of transportation.

Pointing out the big share of the DENR on this particular project, he presented the Nature Reserved Park, a 7-hectare eco-park where land and marine treasures can be protected and preserved.

Also, part of the impact projects for the second district is the Lingayen-Binmaley Bypass Road, a part of the Multi-Year Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which will solve traffic congestion in Lingayen as he also bared the ongoing construction of ‘Daang Kalikasan,’ a 54-km-stretch eco-tourism road, in Mangatarem that will soon link Pangasinan to Zambales.

He also mentioned the ongoing restoration of the Casa Real which is located between the Lingayen Municipal Hall and the Provincial Jail.

It can be learned that the provincial government funded P5 million for the initial restoration phase while the DPWH shouldered P30 million for the second phase of the Casa Real restoration. The provincial government also received a P33.9-million grant from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the completion of the third phase of the royal house to be implemented by the DPWH. The provincial government has also earmarked another P10 million for the establishment of the Museo de Pangasinan upon completion of the Casa Real as Restoration Project.

"This is a heritage infrastructure which we want to be preserved and be a center of tourism," he added.

Earlier, Gov. Espino said that the relocation of the Provincial Jail will give way to the full restoration of the Casa Real but the plan is still being threshed out.

Also present during the presentation were: Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., Sangguniang Panlalawigan members: Raul P. Sison, Nestor D. Reyes, Angel M. Baniqued, Jr., Jeremy Agerico B. Rosario, Salvador S. Perez and Jeanne Jinky C. Zaplan, some provincial executives led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Nimrod S. Camba, Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Martin S. Valera and DENR Regional Director Reynulf A. Juan. (Shiella Mae C. De Guzman)