A TOP official of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has confirmed that the construction of an international seaport in Sual remains a priority of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

DOTC Undersecretary Dante Velasco told local newsmen on June 20 that the seaport project, whose construction already started last year but was discontinued due to a right-of-way problem, will definitely push through.

Velasco, a native of Dagupan City, also assured that the international airport in Alaminos City, with construction for the runway ongoing, will be carried on.

Velasco, who was the guest of honor during the 64th Agew na Dagupan celebration last week, said funds for these two “mega projects” are already available.

Construction for the seaport is expected to resume soon with the right-of-way problem already ironed out, according to Velasco.

For the airport, the President, following a visit to the province late last year, released additional funding which is now being used for the construction of part of the runway.

AGEW NA DAGUPAN’S SCENE OF “UNITY”

As Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas preached forgiveness in his homily, the Thanksgiving Mass held for the celebration of the Agew na Dagupan turned out to be a brief scene of unity between the city’s top two officials.

‘This morning, we not only say thank you. This morning, we also say sorry,” Villegas said.

Later, Mayor Benjamin Lim held and raised the hand of Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez in an apparent offer of peace.

Lim said, “My wish is for us to stay the course, keep working hard, and let politics just be the ambient noise to be ignored as we continue our march forward. I believe that this is the best gift we can give our beloved city.”

The mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, which is headed by the Vice Mayor as its chairman, have been at odds over several issues, including the 2011 budget and several ordinances.

For her part, Fernandez said she hopes the Agew na Dagupan celebration will prove to be the start of a “good working relationship” between the city council and city hall.

“The legislative body has always been willing to work with him (Lim),” Fernandez said.

EXCELLENCE

The 64th Agew na Dagupan celebration held at the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome last Monday also included the special recognition of four young Dagupenos who have excelled in international competitions.

Lim, together with Fernandez, some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Dr. Alma C. Torio, handed the special award to Sarah Jane Cua, Toni Sy Encinares, Mark John Dy, and John Paul S. Calicdan.

Cua has been a consistent winner in international Sudoku and math tournaments; Encinares won two gold medals in the World Taekwondo Culture Exposition when she represented Team Philippines in both Kyurugi and Poomsae Divisions in Mojo, South Korea in 2008; while Calicdan and Dy have been winners in international math competitions.

TOURISM ONLINE

The celebration also included the launch of the Dagupan Tourism Office’s online promotional campaign.

Tourism officers and guests were led by Lim during the launching held on one of the river cruise boats equipped with a wi-fi connection docked at the shore of the Daungan sa Dawel in Bonuan Gueset. (With reports from CIO, PIA-Pangasinan)

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