BUGALLON—Politics and environmental issues may have driven a wedge between provincial officials and former 5th District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, but this did not stop both from being together during the culminating program of the Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) on May.

Cojuangco, standing below the Bañaga Bridge in Bugallon, where the Banca Parada (Fluvial Parade) ended and an awarding ceremony was held, said he did not want to miss the best part of the Pista’y Dayat when local government units are given recognition for their efforts in preserving the environment.

“I am here to support and to join all Pangasinenses in celebrating the Pista’y Day,” said Cojuangco who came along with the Mayor Amadeo Perez IV of Urdaneta City, the hall of fame awardee in the annual Pakar Awards.

Relations between Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Cojuangco, who both belong to the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) political party, turned from warm to cold after the latter’s early announcement to bid for governorship of Pangasinan in 2016.

Espino is completing his maximum  three-term of office and could not run for re-election, but he is reportedly eyeing one of his sons to make a bid for his post.

Cojuangco has also been at odds with other provincial officials over the controversial cutting of roadside trees in the eastern part of Pangasinan to make way for a road expansion project initiated by the former congressman.

PLEASANTRIES

But at the Pista’y Dayat celebration, Vice Governor  Jose Ferdinand Calimlim first approached and greeted Cojuangco and was later joined by Bautista Mayor Amadeo Espino, son of the governor.

The governor and Cojuangco also shook hands later after Espino landed below the Bañaga Bridge on board one of the boats that joined the Banca Parada.

Cojuangco is the regional and provincial chairman of the NPC, a political party founded by his father, industrialist Eduardo Cojuangco.—LVM

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