Infra projects to boost tourism in Pangasinan

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PANGASINAN Gov. Ramon Guico III has vowed to transform the Land of Salt as the country's next top tourist destination, owing to its extensive infrastructure that has been and is currently being implemented by his administration.

Among the ongoing major projects is the 42.76-kilometer (Phase 1 Binalonan-Lingayen) Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) which will connect major areas in the province and its neighboring areas where there will be a significant reduction in travel time once it is open to the public, he said in a statement emailed to The Manila Times.

"This is precisely our dream, to make our beloved province a major tourist destination in the country, and this will not be far off because we continue to build many facilities to further attract our province, including foreign tourists," said Guico.

PLEX PROJECT (From left) are Pangasinan Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, Gov. Ramon Guico III, San Miguel Corp. President and CEO Ramon Ang and Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. during the unveiling of the marker for the Pangasinan Link Expressway in Laoac, Pangasinan, on March 21, 2024. PANGASINAN LGU PHOTO

Armed with solid support of the citizens including officials in cities, municipalities and barangay throughout the province, Guico said that he has been able to build many infrastructure and development projects in less than three years as governor.

"We still have many projects lined up to further transform our province into a top tourist attraction, but one term is not enough to implement them, and we can do it because we are all united," said Guico, who is currently running for a second term in the upcoming May 12 elections.

The Guico administration has previously implemented the conversion of the historic Casa Real into a large museum; the Bańaan (Tagpuan) Provincial Museum; the construction of a multilevel parking lot in Manaoag; the Bolinao Airport; and the largest Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain in Lingayen; the beautification and preservation of Malico, the summer capital of the province; the development of a large eco park in the town of Bugallon; the use of so-called seaplanes for faster travel from Manila to the province; and the Laoac Dairy Farm.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) said the number of tourist arrivals continues to increase compared to previous years, and the number of local and foreign tourists is expected to increase further due to the modern facilities and other tourist attractions that are being further strengthened and improved by the provincial government.

Based on PTCAO records, the province was visited by 8,685,980 day tourists last year compared to 5,597,867 in 2022.

"With more than 10 million tourists now visiting major tourist destinations like Manaoag, Bolinao and Alaminos, we can say that we have recovered from the recent Covid-19 pandemic, and the tourism industry in the province has regained its vitality," the governor said.

The province is expected to see more tourists during the summer months due to the many attractions such as town fiestas and the ongoing "Pista'y Dayat (Sea Festival)," PTCAO said.

To further boost tourism, the Guico administration is supporting the construction of the 11-story government center and tower, and the 1,500-seater convention center, both located near the Provincial Capitol.

Guico also said he partnered with the Department of Tourism, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority for the groundbreaking and construction of the Pangasinan Tourism Rest Area.

Like his constituents, the governor has great confidence and excitement for the soon completion of PLEX, a joint venture of San Miguel Corp. and the provincial government, which will further strengthen the provincial economy and the standard of living of Pangasinenses.

Once PLEX becomes operational, Guico said the previously five-hour travel time from Manila to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City and other popular beaches in the province will be reduced to just three hours.

"We are laying the foundation and planting the seeds for the near future and for the far future. So, I think this administration will make it smart as the builder of the excellent and new Pangasinan. That's what we want to happen," said Guico.