LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. called for a unified and concerted efforts among the provincial government, local government units of Lingayen and Binmaley along with different barangay councils and other agencies concern in keeping the Lingayen Baywalk area clean and safe place to visit.
In the question hour held during the regular session of the provincial board on September 11 on the inquiry of cleanliness and orderliness along the Lingayen Baywalk, different offices were invited to shed light on the matter raised by Board Member Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa regarding her personal experience together with some visitors last August 18 where the lady legislator reportedly saw “dumped garbage” in some parts of the baywalk.
It can be recalled that the Lingayen Baywalk project through the concerted efforts of 2nd District Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil and former governor now 5th District Congressman Amado T. Espino, Jr. who both paved the way for the construction of the tourism facility in 2013 through an approved resolution which was authored by Board Member Nestor D. Reyes.
As stated in the resolution, the Lingayen Baywalk is envisioned to promote Lingayen as a tourist spot, upgrade its tourism facility, spur economic growth and provide income-generating activities and livelihood opportunities for local residents and help achieve the vision of Pangasinan as top province.
As such, BM Reyes stressed that since the area is now mostly-frequented by local tourists and guests from other provinces even international, it is very important to maintain the beauty of the place. Garbage collection, he added, should be intensified not only on the beach area but also in the entire town of Lingayen and Binmaley so that the main purpose of constructing the tourism facility can be met.
Meanwhile, BM Jeremy Agerico Rosario suggested for the creation of a special commission that will take charge of the protection and cleanliness in the area. Sustainability of law enforcement, he noted, is one big solution that can be considered.
BM Liberato Villegas, Jr., on the other hand, said that ‘cleanliness is everybody’s responsibility.’ Thus, he cited, that unity of purpose must be undertaken.
Prior to BM Tababa’s incident report, BM Raul P. Sison bared that Gov. Espino earlier sought the support of the provincial board to intensify not only security but the upkeep of the area.
As regards the upkeep of the Baywalk area, PDRRMO chief Luchinvar Oro disclosed that a Technical Working Group (TWG) has been formed by the provincial chief executive which constitutes the General Services Office (GSO) head, PDRRMO, Provincial Administrator Nimrod S. Camba, and Col. Resurreccion.
According to Col. Oro, measures undertaken by the TWG with regards to security include the posting of 12 security guards who will man the baywalk area on a 24/7 duty, which Gov. Espino quickly approved.
Meanwhile, general services officer Evan Gladish P. Domalanta revealed that one of the biggest setbacks encountered by her office is the indiscriminate dumping of garbage along Maramba Boulevard. However, she has taken into consideration the request of most members of the board for additional signages to be placed in strategic sites in the Capitol especially at the baywalk area.
As wrapped up by Vice Gov. Calimlim, everything boils down to jurisdiction but all things can be put to order if there is unity and cooperation.
BM Tababa, on the other hand, pointed out that cleanliness is a “social and moral obligation of everyone.”
Aside from Col. Oro and Domalanta, other invited guests present during the question hour are PENRO Nathaniel Pulido, barangay captains and representatives of concerned villages, and representatives of Lingayen Mayor Josefina Castaneda, Binmaley Mayor Simplicio Rosario and PNP Provincial Director Ronald O. Lee.
By Dexter A. See
