Foreign investors and tourists are expected to multiply with the rehabilitation of the San Fernando Airport , which is most likely to be completed on July 8, according to Mayor Pablo Ortega.
The airport, located at Barangay Canaoay has been widened to accommodate international flights, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hongkong, Korea and Indonesia.
Thunderbird Resorts Inc., international property developer, has formally turned over a total of P55-million as contribution for funding its rehabilitation and development to Bases Conversion Development Authority recently.
Mayor Ortega added that the addition of an international-standard airport will not only enhance the economy of the city but also of the whole region. It was estimated to reach up to P516-million after its development.
He added that employment will also increase with the presence of a soon-to be-opened golf course and a hotel in the area, as well as generates income for the city government.
The Mayor’s foresight was reiterated by the private business sectors in the province. Raul Sueiro, chief executive officer of Thunderbird Resorts said that travelers in and out of the city and the province can now avail of chartered flights to transport them.” It would attract tourists and are welcome to enjoy its beaches,” he said. He added that Thunderbird Resorts has invested a total of P600-million in the Poro Point Special Economic Freeport Zone.
It was learned that the airport development is 17 percent complete, including the runway, tower, power house, fire and water stations and the terminal building as of December.
Tourism, recreational commercial area is also under construction which included the golf course which started its construction February last year. It is 90 percent finished as of January 18. The hotel construction which started last May is 63 percent complete, According to Katherine Pada of the Poro Point Management Corp.
An industrial development which will include the rehabilitation of the city seaport is also underway. At present, five of its piers cater to local and international shipping. The rehabilitations of these ports are vital to the operations of the Poro Point Special Economic Freeport Zone. On March 2007, Rep. Act 9400 was amended to confirm the present status of the Poro Point freeport zone.
There also were reports that Loakan Airport in Baguio City may face closure after the completion of the San Fernando Airport but were denied by City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista in an interview with ABS-CBN. “The City Mayor (Pablo Ortega) may have been misquoted,” he said, reacting to an alleged pronouncement of President Gloria Arroyo, which was also reiterated by Mayor Ortega in a recent press statement.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Airport Upgrading
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
New Miss City Of San Fernando Crowned
Karina Jane F. Purugganan, a 15-year old graduating high school student of Brain and Heart of a Christian Educational Institution, Inc. was crowned Miss City of San Fernando 2008 during the highlight of the celebration of the City Fiesta on February 10.
Born on April 11, 1992, Karina, as she wants to be called, a five feet seven and a half inches tall morena-beauty, is the eldest of five children of Richard Purugganan and Marylin Farnacio. She loves reading books, surfing the internet and swimming as her hobbies. She keeps her body in shape by eating the right kinds of food, sleeping well and exercise.
With her principle in life “Success is what you get when you work hard and when you never give up,” she pursues her dreams by trying and doing her best. “I want to be a nurse but I also dream of becoming an international model someday,” she added.
She won other beauty contests like Ms. SBO Sportsfest 2006-1st runner-up, Bikini Open Taberna-3rd runner-up, Ms. Intrams-1st runner-up BHC 2007 and the title Ms. Bikini Open Bawanta 2007.
“I joined Miss City of San Fernando because I want to prove my worth as a person even if I’m only 15,” she said. She will be the official representative of San Fernando City in the search for Mutya ng La Union 2008.
The newly crowned San Fernando beauty queen also won special awards like Miss Smart, Miss Babyflo Baby Cologne and the Best in Swimsuit during the pageant night.
Purugganan bested other fifteen equally lovely ladies. JN Riza Etrata sponsored by Max’s Restaurant was crowned Miss Barangay 2008 and got the Miss Mart One award; Michelle Galanto sponsored by Ed Fabro Construction as First Runner-up and bagged awards such as the Best in Haute Couture and Evening Gown, Miss Teen San Fernando, Miss Solid Gold and Miss Skin Beauty; Baby Andallo sponsored by St. John Bosco College as Second Runner-up, also Miss Photogenic and Miss Bobson and Caresa Fabro sponsored by Arts Star Construction as Third Runner-up and bagged Miss Globe, Miss Nisce Beautiful Skin and Miss Avon special awards.
Other winners who received minor and special awards are: Margie Estrada as Miss Talent, Mary Jane Jimenez as Miss Friendship and Miss Toyota Corolla, Kimberly Greaney as Miss McDonald’s Smile and Miss Beautiful Skin, Ynnah Vanessa Avecilla as Miss Toyota Innova and Joanalyn Catbagan as Miss Winsome Smile.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Tourist Spots
A project of:* Senator Francis N. Pangilinan
* The City Government of San Fernando
* The Provincial Government of La Union
* Office of Congressman Manuel C. Ortega
* Department of Science and Technology
* Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology
* National Museum of the Philippines
LUSCM is composed of 5 Galleries
1. Kadaklan Burial Site and Environmental Gallery
2. Museum
3. Dark Room
4. Main Science Gallery
5. Portable Planetarium
Pindangan Ruins
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda
Thursday, February 7, 2008
2 More Historical Landmarks To Be Preserved
Mayor Pablo C. Ortega said that he had asked the City Council to pass an ordinance which declares the Pindangan Ruins and a Spanish watchtower, which are located in Barangays Parian and Carlatan respectively, as historical landmarks.
“It (resolution) will be similar to the one I authored when I was still a councilor,” he said.
Two old lighthouses, which were declared by the City Council as historical landmarks and located at Poro Point, were turned into the custody of the Philippine Coast Guard in a ceremonial rite last Monday by Mayor Ortega. The Mayor, then, authored the resolution.
He has requested the National Historical Institute, led by national Chairman Ambeth Ocampo, who graced the occasion, to declare them national landmarks.
“There are only a few landmarks in San Fernando , that’s why we have to preserve them now that they still exist,” the Mayor said.
According to him, the older lighthouse was built in 1885 while the other in 1970. An old house at the area was built in 1886, which will also be restored, are all located within the lot occupied by the Coast Guard. “According to two architects who inspected the old house, the foundations are still good for restoration,” he said and added that these are added tourist attractions.
The Spanish Watchtower is located at a lot, near a hotel-resort owned by the Rillera Family. The Mayor said that Mrs. Rillera has donated the lot to where the watchtower stands.
Maintenance of the said lighthouses will be coordinated by the City Government, Poro Point Management Corp., Bases Conversion Development Authority, Coast Guard and Thunderbird Resorts Inc.
Two more Spanish watchtowers in the towns of San Juan and Luna in La Union have since been eroded in halves waiting for restorations from respective officials.
