LINGAYEN – The municipal government here, in coordination with the provincial government, is conducting a comprehensive survey that could identify public lands to be developed into eco-tourism sites.

Mayor Ernesto Castañeda said he called officials of the provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and barangay captains to a meeting recently to map out an action plan that could hasten the identification process.

Castañeda said the move is consistent with the plan of Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to further enhance tourism and make it a top money-earner in Lingayen, capital of Pangasinan and the whole province in general.

Among areas being surveyed is the long historic coastline in Lingayen which Espino personally considers as the “heart and soul” of tourism in Pangasinan.

It is in this long coastline where General Douglas Mac Arthur and his troops landed on January 9, 1945 in order to liberate Luzon from more than three years of Japanese occupation.

Saying the project is now long overdue, Castañeda revealed that several investors have already signified their intention to come to Lingayen and put up eco-tourism projects in partnership with local entrepreneurs.

Castañeda called on barangay captains to be vigilant as squatters may intrude into the beach and destroy its aesthetic beauty, turning off tourists.

Castañeda expressed hope that if tourism could be enhanced, it can anchor Lingayen’s cherished dream to become the fifth city in Pangasinan, after Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta and Alaminos cities. (PNA)