LINGAYEN, the capital town of Pangasinan, dreams of cityhood in the near future.

But in becoming a city, this coastal town, currently ranked as a first-class municipality, plans to keep its old-world charm and safeguard its historic treasures.

A fitting plan, indeed. Lingayen, after all, is derived from the Pangasinan word “lingawen”, which means to look back.

At the center of town sits the Plaza de Lingayen, a park that is a popular hang-out for locals, and just a few meters away is the towering Lingayen Cathedral which dates back to the Spanish colonial times.

Part of the town center is also busy with commercial activities, with establishments providing urban conveniences.

The Kapitolyo, home of the provincial government, has recently undergone major renovation and restoration works, making the entire compound a tourist destination in itself. It includes the refurbished Capitol building, landscaped surroundings and the beach area that looks out into the South China Sea.

The Sison Auditorium has also been restored and is now dubbed as the Cultural Center of Northern Luzon, with the aim of reviving arts and culture not just in Pangasinan but in the rest of Ilocos Region.

Lingayen also prides itself in its “4Bs”, which stands for bagoong, bucayo, bangus, and the beach — four products that are popular among visitors.

Other industries in town include wood furniture manufacturing, vinegar production, nipa shingles making, and fishing for the people in the coastal communities.

Lingayen is moving toward its promising future, but at the same time, it remains a quaint town that knows and appreciates its past.–Ma. Carmina C. Gutierrez

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