Toff de V vows support for district’s tourism industry
THE rehabilitation and restoration of the old Home Economics building of the West Central School in Dagupan City will be one of the projects being eyed in the Fourth District by the scion of the De Venecia family seeking election for the first time.
Christopher de Venecia, the 29-year old son of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Pangasinan Fourth District Congresswoman Gina de Venecia said the restoration has become imperative for historical purposes and to help boost tourism in the district.
He identified development of tourism in the district as a major concern to expand livelihood opportunities of residents.
The Economics Bldg, served as the first command post of General Douglas MacArthur on Luzon soil after he and his troops landed in Bonuan Blue Beach on Jan. 9, 1945 to begin the final liberation of Luzon from the enemy.
Appreciating Dagupan’s important role during the liberation, De Venecia said restoration project will remind the future generations of the significance of the building.
He said there will be a need to recover the artifacts associated to the old home economics building as when he visited the place, he saw only the bath tub where MacArthur took a bath while he was in Dagupan, minus the bed, bed sheets, utensils and even slippers reportedly used by him.
Meanwhile, he also saw more economic opportunities presented by Manaoag as a tourism destination given the presence of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, now a popular destination of devotees and pilgrims.
He cited the development of the Virgin’s Well, near the basilica but noted the need for expanding the road infrastructure to decongest the worsening traffic congestion in Manaoag.
The young De Venecia said the town can have other activities besides the presence of the basilica and sale of traditional religious items.
“There are other ways of telling the story of Manaoag through art,” he said.
He also pointed out that more activities and infrastructure can be introduced to enhance the opportunities created by the Bangus Festival of Dagupan City, corn products of San Jacinto, Mangaldan’s tapa, and the beach of San Fabian.
“With the congestion in Manila, our tourism has a high potential to do better, he said. (Leonardo Micua/Johanne Macob)
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