LINGAYEN–A palace official who came to Pangasinan on Friday guaranteed that help from the national government is forthcoming for the administration of Governor Amado Espino Jr.

Undersecretary Anthony Golez, deputy presidential spokesperson, said Pangasinan has the right ingredients for success and the province could count on assistance from the administration in the pursuit of development plans.

Golez, together with Espino, was interviewed by local media after the opening of the lst Tourism and Trade Expo here on April 25.

Golez, Espino and Vice Governor Marlyn Primicias-Agabas cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the expo which includes, among others, a photo exhibit on the North Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle sponsored by the Office of the Press Secretary.

“Pangasinan’s greatest assets is having a good and experienced governor in the person of Governor Espino, very supportive local leaders and very anxious people,” Golez said.

He acknowledged that the officials and people need the support of the national government in order to push the reforms that they are taking both for the short and long terms.

At the same time, Golez lauded the effort of the provincial government in promoting Pangasinan as a destination for local and foreign tourists.

He said that given its many natural assets, Pangasinan should also be known for its hospitality.

Some of the places, he mentioned that are worth visiting are the Manaoag Church, the Hundred Islands, the many enticing beach fronts, and hot springs.

Like Governor Espino, Golez believes that tourism is the short-term solution to a long-term problem of Pangasinan.

“It is just a matter of packaging Pangasinan into something, like being one of the wonder destinations in the country, so people will really come and take a second look,” he said.

Espino assured Golez that Pangasinan is encouraging its 2.7 million people to visit every town and city in the province first before they go out to see new sights outside.

“This is our strategy to promote tourism to greater heights,” Espino said.

Espino said they are also highlighting agricultural productivity, especially under the NLAQ, with Pangasinan being the country’s third biggest rice producing province today.

Golez told newsmen that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is also supportive of the provincial government’s plan to reclaim Pangasinan’s old status as the rice granary of the Philippines.

Pangasinan, he said, is included in the list of provinces covered by a new agricultural program launched by Arroyo for which she released P43 billion.

Under this program, Espino said, all he has to do is to maintain their ongoing programs and keep pushing for a share of the funding so local infrastructures related to agriculture could be improved.—LM

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