Development of Limahong Channel as tourist destination sought

By January 6, 2018Business, News

LINGAYEN — Soon Pangasinenses will learn more about Limahong, a renowned Chinese pirate and warlord during the 16th century, who made history in Lingayen, once House Bill 6682 is adopted and funded by the national government.

Second District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil author of bill, seeks to establish Limahong Channel as a major tourist destination in Pangasinan with a master plan for the development of Limahong Channel that will include Tourism Center and River Cruise Dock for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the Agno River in this area.

In commemoration, a historical marker will set its ground and will be one of the centerpieces of development, he added.

He said additional points of interest for crowd sourcing like restaurant, river esplanade and viewing area are also part of the proposed improvement.

A report from the House of Representatives’ website dated Dec. 24 last year said Limahong Channel is a historic site because it is where the Chinese corsair Limahong, who invaded the Northern Philippine Islands in 1574, sought refuge when he was repulsed by the defenders of Parañaque, then a royal encomienda.

“Pursued by the Spanish colonizers, he dug a channel in Domalandan, Lingayen that served as his escape towards the China Sea. It is located along the Agno River at the mouth of the Lingayen Gulf,” the report added, quoting Bataoil.

Bataoil, chairman of the committee on veterans affairs and welfare, said declaring the Limahong Channel as a tourist spot will entice tourists, local and foreign, especially the Chinese, to visit the place.

As a tourist activity that is expected to generate employment opportunities for the residents of the municipality and the nearby communities, its development and promotion will be prioritized by the Department of Tourism.

The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall encourage tourism in the area within six months after the approval of this act.

Co-authors of the bill include Reps. Christopher De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) and Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City), chairman of the committee on appropriations. (Eva Visperas)

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