Guv vows 2012 would be better
PALARONG PAMBANSA AS FLAGSHIP PROJECT
LINGAYEN—After confidently declaring 2011 as a “good year” for Pangasinan, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. promises with equal confidence that 2012 would be even better for the province.
Espino said it will be a “busy year” for Pangasinenses as the province prepares to host the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in May, a major achievement for his administration as it will only be the second time in 17 years.
At the same time, the governor said the provincial government will continue to focus on its programs and projects, particularly on agricultural and tourism development, improved health care services, and the promotion of Pangasinan culture.
In agriculture, the completion of the San Roque re-regulating pond in 2013 is seen as a big boon to production since it will allow farmers to plant up to two or three times a year instead of the usual one harvest.
The re-regulating pond will increase the irrigable areas in eastern and central Pangasinan, particularly for rice farming.
Last year’s opening of the Rice Processing Complex in Sta. Barbara, funded by the Korean government, has already provided rice farmers the opportunity for year-round drying.
At the same time, Butch Velasco, provincial information officer, said the river cleaning project undertaken by Task Force Kalikasan assures more fish in rivers and waterways for all fisherfolks using nets or hook, line and sinker.
Velasco also cited the Tri-City Ferry Service that will connect Alaminos, Dagupan and San Fernando cities across the Lingayen Gulf that is set to be launched in 2012.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
The provincial government is also busy preparing the 300-hectare eco-tourism zone of the province in Lingayen, starting with the construction of a world-class 18-hole golf course in the area.
Velasco said the eco-zone is aimed at attracting more foreign investments in the province.
The eco-tourism zone in Lingayen is one of the three proposed eco-techno parks envisioned by the governor. Two other zones are located in Sual for western Pangasinan and another will be stated in a still undetermined town in eastern Pangasinan.
Velasco said these projects are linked to the construction of an international shipping port in Sual whose first phase of work, according to the Philippine Ports Authority, is set to be completed in 2012.
An international airport is now also being built in Alaminos City through the initiative of the Department of Transportation and Communication and the city government.
The completion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway is seen to ease travel towards Pangasinan.
Espino is also expected to provide intervention to solve access problems to the pilgrimage town of Manaoag where traffic congestion and lack of facilities has been discouraging visitors.
The governor added that the zipline recreational activity inaugurated during the tourism month in September in Balungao can be duplicated in other towns, like Mangatarem.
More eco-tours are set to be organized in 2012 to bring more tourists to different parts of the province, including Bolinao, Dasol, Mangatarem, Balungao and the Hundred Islands.
In socio-cultural promotion activities, the province is set to expand the “Balitok a Tawir” awards for local government units to include a competition among public and private schools for the promotion of Pangasinan songs, dances and arts.
DISASTER-PREPAREDNESS
While expressing hope that no major calamity will hit the province this year, he gave assurance that the development of the disaster-preparedness program will continue to be a priority.
By mid next year, Espino said, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) will start a series of drills to prepare the people of the province on how to cope with any calamity that may come their way.
The PDRRMC of Pangasinan has been adjudged as one of the best functional PDRRM in the country today.
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