A PROPOSED Chinatown in Dagupan City could be an added attraction if not an additional tourism destination in the city.

This was stressed by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, commenting on the desire of the Dagupan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce led by Edison Co to build a Chinatown in the entire stretch of Rizal Street.

Fernandez, a member of the continuously increasing Filipino-Chinese community in Dagupan, said the chamber is asking Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. to endorse their plan to build Dagupan’s Chinatown.

“I’m sure Mayor Fernandez will approve the chamber’s request since it is at no expense to the city government. Besides, the establishment of a Chinatown jibes with the urban renewal program of the city,” the vice mayor said.

The proposed local Chinatown will be similar to Ongpin Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila where most of the establishments are owned by traders of Chinese descent.

The proposal seeks to mirror the strong Chinese influence in the city which started way back even during the Spanish time.
Fernandez expressed belief that Rizal Street will be the best location of Dagupan’s Chinatown because it is there where several Filipino-Chinese families live and do business.

The Filipino-Chinese community is building the first Chinese temple along Rizal St. extension in the city even as two Chinese schools are also located on Rizal St.

Vice Mayor Fernandez, whose grandfather came from Fujan province in China, said Rizal street is where the only Chinese drug store in Dagupan, called Botica China, is located. (PNA)