International dev’t project to boost La Union tourism

BAUANG, La Union – A world-class development project would soon be implemented in this town, to boost its tourism and economy and outlying provinces of northern Luzon.

A master plan is now being prepared for the Bauang Development Project to lay down the socio-economic, environmental and physical blueprint for the development of around 200 hectares of land along China Sea and Bauang River as an international golf course with hotel resort complex, trade, business and tourism center due to its strategic location near the proposed international airport at nearby San Fernando City, La Union.

A memorandum of agreement was recently signed between the Bauang Paradise International Dev’t. Corp. and DEMCOR Inc. for the latter to start the master plan composed of detailed engineering and architectural designs.

The DEMCOR Inc. would be paid P55 million for consulting services.

The agreement was signed between BPIDC chairman Adrian C. Lee, president Roberto P. Orsolino respectively and DEMCOR Inc. president Manuel R. Contreras.

The BPIDC’s vice chairperson is Eun Kyung Lee while board members include Alfred P. Dizon, publisher of Northern Philippine Times and lawyer Philip Kiat-ong.

Bauang municipal mayor Roberto P. De Guzman and town councilor Gabriel A. Sotto witnessed the signing of the BPIDC-DEMCOR agreement at the mayor’s office.
This, after the BPIDC made a memorandum of agreement with the municipal government of Bauang to undertake the project.

Under the agreement, the BPIDC was established and mandated to act as the implementing agency for all development initiatives and activities within the project area.

The master plan shall consider local, regional and national goals of the government’s Medium Term Development Plan.

Mayor De Guzman told the media the development plan would not only benefit the people of Bauang but also outlying areas of northern Luzon.

Foreign investors are reportedly now interested in joining the project which local officials said, would put Bauang in the world tourism map like the Summer Capital of Baguio, Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao and the mountain hideaway of Sagada town in Mountain Province.

Local government officials said Bauang is an ideal spot for tourism and development projects as it is the “Gateway to Northern Luzon.”

It is adjacent to the China Sea, is only an hour’s ride from Baguio and around three hours away from the industrial zone of Clark in Pampanga, also a former American military camp like Poro Point in La Union.

A lot of foreigners like European, Australian and American expatriates have established their residence in this tropical “paradise” town due to its scenic spots, friendly people, relaxing atmosphere and low crime rate.

Bauang has become bullish with tourists and visitors pouring in due to development initiatives of the local government led by Mayor De Guzman. “I urge everyone to come to our town and enjoy it,” he said.

Bauang recently won as the “cleanest and greenest town” in the province.

De Guzman has come up with “I Love Bauang,” a project to enhance the town. The mayor recently donated some sailboats to barangays so constituents could use these for tourism or economic purposes.