Transport projects to make Pangasinan No.1
For Transport Secretary Art Tugade, economic powerhouses such as Pangasinan deserve the necessary investments, particularly in the area of mobility and connectivity
The Philippines never runs out of tourism gems we can be proud of. From Luzon to the Visayas and the farthest province we can think of in Mindanao, our country is packed with breathtaking islands, pristine beaches, majestic lakes, cultural heritage sites, and numerous magnificent wonders that won’t fail to impress both locals and visitors.
Over in the northern part of the country, one cannot simply erase from the list the beautiful province of Pangasinan. And when we talk about Pangasinan, the first thing that comes to mind is the Hundred Islands — a group of 124 islets scattered in Lingayen Gulf. Apart from this popular tourist spot, Pangasinan has a lot of pockets of paradise to offer.
Because of its beauty and strong potential to attract growth and investment, Pangasinenses are guided by one shared mission: “To be number one.” Local leaders and the people of Pangasinan have united to transform the province as the best destination to work and settle in.
For Department of Transportation
(DoTr) Secretary Art Tugade, economic powerhouses such as Pangasinan deserve the necessary investments, particularly in the area of mobility and connectivity. This is why the DoTr and its attached agencies continue to fulfill their commitment to Pangasinan to further unlock more opportunities for inclusive growth.
In terms of air mobility, the DoTr pushes through with the development of the vital gateway seated in the province’s capital, the Lingayen Airport. Started in 2018, the asphalt overlay of the runway has been finally completed in August 2020 despite the pandemic.
On the other hand, seaports are also getting a much-needed boost to further promote tourism growth. Since 2016 the DoTr, under the leadership of Secretary Tugade, has completed two social and tourism port projects.
One of these maritime projects is the Pangasinan North River landing, which will be inaugurated in the coming days. Another completed project is the Capandan River landing, which was completed in May 2018.
In the road sector, Pangasinan plays a vital part in promoting a sustainable mode of transport through the participation of drivers and operators in the biggest transformational initiative of the Duterte administration, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Region I has the third-highest industry consolidation rate of almost 64 percent, wherein there are 62 accredited transport cooperatives with 3,821 members in the region.
Pangasinan also holds a special place for the DoTr, which made the province the chosen venue for the pilot launch of the “Tsuper Iskolar” Program back in 2019. Under the program, drivers, operators, and their beneficiaries participating in the PUVMP are given free skills training and daily allowance, in partnership with TESDA.
As of 14 May 2021, the “Tsuper Iskolar” Program in Region I has produced a total of 934 graduates from the 1,186 approved slots in the said region. Currently, there are 247 beneficiaries enrolled. From the total number of graduates, 927 have been assessed or passed the performance standards in the workplace, while 888 have been certified or met the competency standards.
Pangasinan also holds a special place for the DoTr, which made the province the chosen venue for the pilot launch of the ‘Tsuper Iskolar’ Program back in 2019.
With only 393 days before the Duterte administration comes to an end, the DoTr, under the strong and able resolve of Secretary Tugade, will remain steadfast in unlocking the potential of the regions by delivering development projects that will further enhance connectivity and mobility across the archipelago.
With barely a year left, there is no slowing down the DoTr’s pursuit of fulfilling the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to make the Filipino life comfortable and convenient.