Focus on tourism

WHEN the May 13 election is over and the political heat has simmered down, one of the priority programs that the elected governor of Pangasinan must pursue is tourism development.

Already, Pangasinan has established itself as the top destination in Region 1 based on tourist arrivals in recent years and it could become a major destination in the north given its location and various attractions. The goal could be achieved by whoever wins as governor because both contenders – re-electionist Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza – have shown the propensity and capability to achieve tourism successes. Braganza could be credited for the development of the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos while it was under Espino’s past two terms that the province saw exponential growth in visitor arrivals and the transformation of the Capitol grounds in Lingayen.

Pangasinan has gained momentum with its many festivals, the natural attractions particularly its beaches, religious sites such as the Manaoag Church and the Mt. Zion in Bugallon, distinct culinary offerings for foodie travelers, and there are plenty more to promote such as the mountain spots in the eastern side, eco-tourism destinations, and even agricultural areas with the growing interest in the emerging agri-tourism sector.

There is a long list of to-do’s to sustain what has been achieved and push for continued growth. These include infrastructure development for easy access to destinations, including small details such as directional signs to guide travelers, safer beaches, more 3-5 star hotels for wider lodging options, and well-initiated industry stakeholders who will not make tourists feel duped or bamboozled. The provincial government should also take the lead in synchronizing policies with the municipal and city government units to create a more attractive investment climate for the private sector.

The tourism industry’s benefits can be gleaned from the success stories of such places as Palawan, Subic, and Siargao. With a committed leadership, Pangasinan can do it too.

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Un-brilliant Brillantes

WHAT kind of a Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes is?  First, he criticizes the Supreme Court when the High Court overturns his decision declaring a limited airtime in broadcast ads for the candidates in next month’s elections. Good thing the SC has not declared him in contempt; at least, not yet.  Second, he threatens to resign—barely a month before the May 13 polls.  Third, he says he will ask President Aquino to give him an ambassadorial post so that “I can rest.”

If you resign, resign.  Only the cowardly tribe love to threaten—as in one threatening to kill someone and will never do it. And when is a government posting abroad a reason to rest? Brillantes tells the press:  “My plan was to ask President Aquino, ‘Could you give me an ambassadorship instead so that I can rest.  It is so tiring in the Comelec.’” To be the Comelec chairman, a constitutional post, is to be apolitical.  Thus, for the Comelec chairman to beg the President for a position is asking for a political dole-out. Way out of line.

Such gall from a sickeningly un-brilliant Brillantes.

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