By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—A day before the June 29 mass oathtaking of newly and reelected provincial, city and municipal officials of Ilocos Norte, the provincial government will break ground a total of PHP2 billion infrastructure projects funded through a soft loan from the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines.
As part of the continuing “Metro Ilocos Tourism Plan” to boost economic growth in this northern gateway of Luzon, these three big projects will become the centerpiece of transformation in Laoag this time.
According to an Ilocano architect Felino Palafox Jr. who worked on the Ilocos Norte tourism plan in 2010 during the first term of outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor and now Senator-elect Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, “visiting and living in the province these days is exciting considering the many improvements that is taking place and the several infrastructure facilities that will be in place to enhance the aesthetics of Ilocos Norte and make it safe and convenient for everyone”.
“The bidding was conducted on May 29. Since April, the design was already started. While waiting for the final approval of the plan and design, they can already start the demolition immediately after June 28,” Ms. Daquioag explained.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of presided by outgoing Ilocos Norte Vice Governor and now second district Congressman-elect Eugenio Angelo M. Barba authorized the allocation of more than PHP1 billion for the rehabilitation of the Marcos Stadium, PHP 640 million for the construction of the Capitol expansion building and PHP360 million for the reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park.
In a separate interview, Allan Sonajo, architect for the Dap-ayan Center project said the Dap-ayan which currently houses several food stalls and souvenir shops shall rise into an eight-story building and will become the tallest government building in the province once completed.
He explained the reconstruction of the Dap-ayan will feature the same resemblance to that of the historic Capitol building with parking basements and offices for rent in the future.
The Marcos Stadium, project, meanwhile will rise one meter above the road, demolishing all buildings, offices and bleachers.
Provincial officials said the three infrastructure projects’ completion will take two years or less
“In Ilocos Norte, tourism development is heading towards education, development and the preservation of important heritage and natural sites. While this transformation is taking place, we will be fortunate to see the advantages of investing in good planning, good design, and now, even good governance,” said Mr. Palafox.
For her part, Ms. Marcos said this where the province is heading in the future.
“We will keep updating the plan and we hope that every town should have their own tourism development plan while the province will fully activate the Metro Ilocos Development Plan,” she added.