Pangasinan soars higher with 3 massive projects
 |
| Opportunities underway. This Rock Causeway, together with the RO-RO ramp that will be immediately erected the soonest possible, completes the Phase 1 of the much-awaited Sual International Seaport, one of the three mega projects envisioned by the Espino administration towards a progressive Pangasinan. |
Finally, it’s Pangasinan’s time to reach greater, euphoric heights.
As 2013 comes to conclusion, Pan-gasinenses have more reason to celebrate in harmonious elation with massive development projects com-ing along the way, taking headway for the province further beyond.
Being the third most populous province in the country and the largest province in Northern Luzon in terms of land area, the rich bequest of hu-man and natural reserve, which greatly includes the vast expanse of agricultural lands and aquatic re-sources, suggests that Pangasinan is truly destined for greater things.
In this new era of progression, Pangasinan explores uncharted poten-tials towards inclusive economic growth, under a motivated and united government led by three-termer Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. Soon, a commercial airport and seaport, and an eco-tourism zone will emerge towards universal development.
Seeking success
Governor Espino exclaimed in an economic summit in Lingayen that, “We find it ironic that, in spite of its superior area, favorable geography, strategic location and its vast reservoir of natural resources, the economic potentials of Pangasinan have remained largely untapped, because it lacks the vital facilities such as a commercial seaport and an airport, whose enormous eco-nomic benefits have long been en-joyed by the other luckier provinces in Northern Luzon,” addressing an audience of investors and public officials. Upon saying this though, these “vital facilities” mentioned by the Governor himself, are already being realized, all in full-swing.
First flight
With the completed concreting of the 1.2 kilometer-asphalt runway, discussions with private land owners are now underway to extend the runway stretch to 1.7 kilo-meters to accommodate bigger planes and commercial flights. Be-fore, the length of the runway of the Lingayen airport is only limited to serve private flights of small air-crafts.
According to Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan, “With the completion of the project, flights from Manila going to or from Hong Kong, Taipei and other places can drop by here, then pick up or bring down passengers. From Lingayen, the people of Pangasinan can also ride a trip to Manila.”
Moreover, “this venture will actually trigger the growth of businesses, increase tourist arrivals, and spur tourism and economic development of the province,” as what Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benita Pizarro conveyed to Focus-Pangasinan.
With a commercial airport in town, Lingayen has lofty prospects of driving more tourists and investors into the province. It will serve as a jump-off point to Central and North Luzon, and will even increase more access to Asia’s fast-growing region.
 |
| Taking flight. With the extension of the existing runway, the Lingayen airport will soon accommodate domestic flights and an influx of tourists. |
Port of possibilities
Alongside the goal of leading more tourists into the province, the airport’s counterpart of realizing this aim is now accomplishing the 1st phase of its construction.
The Sual International Seaport, from an average fish port center, will now function as a large-scale harbor accommodating commercial and passenger vessels, and a limitless possibility of economic expansion.
Under a cost-sharing scheme, the total fund of the international seaport amounting to P500 million is divided between the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Philippine Ports Authority with P200 million; the same fund allocation by the Provincial Government, and the Local Government of Sual with an apportionment of P100 million.
Currently, the Rock Causeway (as shown in this issue’s cover photo) has already been completed and soon, the construction of RO-RO ramp will be launched completing Phase 1. Before long, commercial cargoes and bulk vessels will come pouring in Pangasinan as it navigates its clear path to a multitude of opportunities.
Prime district
Concluding the journey to positive development, perhaps one of the best things to happen in Pangasinan, is yet to come.
Positioned in the 300-hectare prop-erty of the provincial government, the Pangasinan Eco-tourism Zone will fascinate the country’s attention, with its complete, world-class facili-ties that will satiate the clamor for the best things in life.
Once the controversial sterile black sand is cleared, this foreshore land in northwestern Lingayen will be transformed into a sprawling eco-tourism zone, rising as Pan-
gasinan’s highpoint of tourism and commercial success.
The eco-tourism zone will feature first-rate amenities which includes a high-end residential area, an 18-hole golf course, an amusement park, a water sports area and a yacht club, a prime commercial area, and a sky tower, particularly depicted in the projects’ master plan.
Presently, a man-made lagoon the size of an Olympic swimming pool, a golf green, and turf grass can already be seen in the specified area. Also, an amphibian port will be situ-ated in the area where 40-seater sea planes coming from Subic can dock in this exclusive zone anytime. Moreover, The Pangasinan Aqua City Project, attached to the eco-tourism zone development project, will later rise in the same area under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT scheme).
Fully realizing this grand endeavor, a group of Korean investors and other foreign nationals had already indicated their intention to invest in the pro-ject and will employ or train a great number of Pangasinenses to work for the eco-tourism zone.
 |
| Grand ideas. This rendition of the master plan of the eco-tourism zone courtesy of the prov’l gov’t, graphically sums up the major plans of the project. |
It all started with a vision and a mission
In a grueling but fulfilling struggle to serve the people, the province’s rousing vision and mission to make Pangasinan the leading province in the Philippines driven the Espino administration to initiate various projects and programs to make the lives of fellow Pangasinenses easier and positive.
From a foundation built through standard but significant, people-centered projects, these endeavors of realizing a domestic airport, a commercial seaport, and an eco-tourism zone, complete the final step to a towering success.
“Hopefully, this will be one of my legacies, a signature of my watch which, given a third term, will ultimately make my beloved Pangasinan the number one province in the country,”
-Gov. Espino.
Leaving a legacy
“Hopefully, this will be one of my legacies, a signature of my watch which, given a third term, will ultimately make my beloved Pangasinan the number one province in the country,” the governor strongly confessed despite destructive criticisms.
Truly, with the people’s trust in its government and the government’s trust and heart in its people, the attainment of the province’s vision, especially its mission, is not so far at all. Even at this point, Pangasinan has claimed victory.
0 comments:
Post a Comment