Bataoil: Restoration of Casa Real completed by 2018

By November 20, 2017Inside News, News

LINGAYEN–Pangasinan Second District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil has assured the completion of the restoration of the old Casa Real by mid 2018 given the delay in the release of Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority’s (TIEZA) commitment.

Bataoil who made a call to TIEZA upon learning that the P50 million financial commitment of the agency has not yet been released, gave the assurance after the call.

Pangasinan Tourism Officer Malu Elduayan said she was advised by the new administration of TIEZA that they will release only P25 million this year.

Bataoil was assured by TIEZA officials that the agency has not withdrawn its commitment and will still give the full amount of P50 million but can only be released on staggered basis.

“Perhaps the value of Casa Real is not appreciated by them. But to us–the people of Pangasinan–Casa Real means a lot because it was the first seat of the provincial government in Pangasinan during the Spanish time,” Bataoil said.

TIEZA officials said the delay is caused by a delay in the validation of the status of the project and promised the delivery of the initial P20 million this year.

The P50 million from TIEZA will fund the third phase of restoration work on Casa Real. The first and second phases of the project were already completed, said Bataoil.

Construction of the first phase at P5 million was funded by the Pangasinan provincial government while the second phase of P30 million came from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Third phase of the project is the completion of other features, including the perimeter fence, road leading to Casa Real and also the needed equipment and facilities which are in accordance with past agreement with the past TIEZA officials, Bataoil said.

Bataoil said he received from the new TIEZA chief that his administration will ensure the continuity of the project till it is completed.

He said Casa Real was a picture of neglect till he and then Governor Amado Espino Jr., now congressman of the fifth district of Pangasinan, decided to have it restored to its original grandeur and glory as a legacy for today and future generations of Pangasineneses.

Once restored, it will be depository of artifacts and old mementos about the province of Pangasinan and become another tourist destination. (Leonardo Micua)

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