By Eva C. Visperas

 

YEARS have passed since my last interview with Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, affectionately known as ‘Mayor Ming’ by his constituents in Manaoag. Recently, I received a Viber message from him, informing me about a pilot-test of a project that holds great potential as a best practice model for local government units.

The project “One Manaoag Mobile Police Precinct”  is the first of its kind in the region and serves as a model for other LGUs to consider for their benchmarking activities in the pilgrimage town of Manaoag.

The project, the result of collaboration with the Manaoag Police Station, headed by P/Maj. Napoleon Eleccion, aims to boost police morale. Note: Policemen now work in a more dignified environment, inside an air-conditioned 2.5×5-meter mobile precinct equipped with essential amenities. The precinct is constructed of metal, custom-made, and presents a decent appearance, with funds allocated by the local government.

With these improvements in place, the mobile precinct project aims to provide the police further with a more comfortable and practical station, enhancing their efficiency during their duties. The ‘mobile precinct’ was successfully pilot-tested during the All Saints’ Day observance in Barangay Pugaro, where a memorial park is located.

The benefits of this new precinct to the town residents are indisputable, particularly when compared to the difficult working conditions in traditional police stations. A permanent station is also planned to be established at the Manaoag-Binalonan boundary to further enhance the town’s law enforcement capabilities.

As a frequent visitor to Manaoag, I had the opportunity to share my observations with Mayor Ming. We discussed the town’s growth, increased tourism, and the thriving business sector that could benefit from the planned improvements. The topics discussed included traffic congestion, shortage of parking spaces, and issues related to street vendors, parking attendants, and beggars.

Mayor Ming assured me that these issues are being addressed, and the local government is taking steps to resolve these soonest. For instance, there is a proposed ordinance (on first reading) to standardize prices of candles, parking fees, and other related matters. That is definitely a positive step forward for Manaoag, since these issues have long affected the town’s overall growth.

With the opening of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway and the promise of the Pangasinan Link Expressway, accessibility to Manaoag is expected to further improve significantly, resulting in a growing number of visitors. Manaoag now welcomes an average of 56,000 visitors, pilgrims, and devotees every week.

As I write this piece, I’ve learned of another exciting development: a prominent hotel in Calasiao, whose owners also own a renowned restaurant in Dagupan, plans to establish a hotel and restaurant business in Manaoag. Additionally, a well-known real estate company in the country is set to develop a 43-hectare property in the town.

Manaoag continues to flourish, attracting more investors and businesses. Its reputation as a top religious tourism destination in Pangasinan and Northern Luzon remains strong.  Consider the Basilica Minoré of Manaoag that has countless inspiring stories of answered prayers, fulfilled wishes, healed illnesses, and conquered obstacles. It continues to draw people from across the country and around the world, calling them to visit this remarkable town.

Manaoag deserves the best care and attention to ensure its continued prosperity and growth as a cherished destination. #

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