LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinenses now have more reasons to celebrate as they stood as living witnesses to the realization of yet another gigantic project that marks another milestone in the history of Pangasinan.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members (SPM), and DPWH RO1 officials, headed by Engr. Amelia M. Zamudio and Engr. Edita L. Manuel of DPWH 2nd Provincial Engineering District led the ground-breaking ceremony and the laying of the time capsule for the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain Project at the Provincial Capitol Complex on November 8.
The said development project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex that will spur economic growth and development and define the vision of the present administration to make Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.
In his speech, the governor said that the construction of the reflecting pool is a historic first for the province of Pangasinan and a noble addition to the Capitol Compound that translates meditation beyond aesthetics.
“The waters of the reflecting pool become a reading mirror of our dreams that have now been translated into realities, flatforms that have now been concretized into projects, invitations that have now been converted into investments, and the park trees surrounding these waters will become a valiant step in our road maps for Pangasinan through these memory lanes that remain beyond our present generation,” he added.
He further stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something more culturally enjoyable, iconically inspiring, intellectually engaging, and historically nostalgic.
Expressing elation over the project, Gov. Guico stressed that the Capitol Complex reflects the brand of leadership of his administration; thus, he said that the transformation of the place is the “mirror image of what Pangasinan is and who Pangasinenses are.”
Also, Gov. Guico personally expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, who trace their roots to San Carlos City, Pangasinan, for their initiatives in funding the above-mentioned major project of the province. Aside from the P100 million funding, the governor also revealed that the two senators also funded an expansion of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, amounting to P75 million pesos.
The Governor assured that the provincial government will closely coordinate with concerned agencies for the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as well as permission from the National Historical Commission because of the project’s historical significance.
The Chief Executive of the province likewise cited that they will never start a project without going through the proper process because this is a reflection of how they run affairs in the province.
Soon, at the heart of the province of Pangasinan will be the Pangasinan Linear Park, which is open to the public for live gatherings and a significant added tourist attraction to celebrate the local culture, heritage, and oneness.
With more infrastructure projects now underway, the governor said that this is a vital reflection of hard work and commitment to faithfully serve the people of Pangasinan, vis-à-vis depicting 2023 as the ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure for Pangasinan. Big-impact projects include the Pangasinan Link Expressway and the P238 million worth of Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facilities in Bolinao.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Lambino said that the groundbreaking ceremony is the start of several projects that the present administration has envisioned. This, he cited, will spur positive changes that will redound to the benefit of the people of Pangasinan.
Also present during the groundbreaking were Chiefs of Hospital, Department Heads, consultants, Industron Fountains, members of the media, other line agencies, and employees.
(Chona C. Bugayong/Joey Olimpo, Sydney Soriano PIMRO)
