Limahong Tourist Center proposed
NEW TOURIST DESTINATION
LINGAYEN– After initiating the Lingayen Baywalk project, 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil is eyeing another cultural-tourism project. This time it’s for the establishment of the Limahong Tourist Center in this capital town.
“We want to put Lingayen in the map of the world by way of putting a marker where the Chinese invader, Limahong, temporarily stayed in 1574,” the Mr. Bataoil said.
The congressman, citing historical footnotes, said Limahong, then a notorious Chinese pirate, hid and dug a channel to escape the pursuing Spanish forces in a portion of the Agno River in Brgy. Pangapisan Norte in Lingayen.
According to the Wikipedia, Limahong has resolved to stay in Pangasinan which is “a rich place and far enough from the reach of the Spaniards and the Chinese emperor.”
“Near the mouth of the Agno River about four miles from the sea, he built a fort consisting of an outer palisade of palm logs, and an inner enclosure of palm planks which sheltered his palace.”
Bataoil disclosed he already submitted to the Department of Tourism, the Limahong Tourist Center project proposal for inclusion in the succeeding budget deliberations.
The proposal includes the establishment of a river cruise, construction of a pavilion and of a multi-purpose pavement alongside the river, and development of the roads leading towards the Channel from the Lingayen town proper.
The pavilion will house Limahong artifacts.
Mr. Bataoil said the plan is to replicate the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, but the boats will be replica of Limahong’s boat.
There will be three stations or river ports- Bantayan, Domalandan, both in Lingayen; and Banyaga in Bugallon.
Bataoil said even the Lingayen municipal administrator attested that many come to their office to ask for the location of the Limahong Channel.
The proposal has also been furnished to the provincial government and Lingayen- local government unit to solicit more support for the project.
During the Banca Parada (fluvial float parade) last May 1, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Dr. Prospero De Vera, UP vice president, expressed support for the project. (Johanne R. Macob)
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