By Liwayway Yparraguirre/PNA
SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan — Pangasinan 4th district Representative Christopher de Venecia is encouraging residents here to work hand-in-hand in keeping San Fabian beach, its main tourist destination, clean.
“Ang lumalalang polusyon dulot ng mga basura gaya ng plastik at kemikal na natatapon sa dagat ay isang pandaigdigang suliranin. Subalit lahat ng gawain, maliit man o malaki, ay malaking tulong sa pagpapanatili sa kalusugan ng karagatan (The worsening pollution caused by plastic garbage and chemicals thrown into the ocean is a worldwide problem. But every activity, whether big or small, is a big help in maintaining the good condition of the sea),” de Venecia said in an interview Friday.
The lawmaker led some 500 volunteers in the Operation Ligtas Dayat, or the San Fabian Coastal Clean-up Drive, at Barangay Nibaliw’s Vidal beach here on Nov.17. He was joined by youths, barangay officials, Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program beneficiaries, and barangay health workers.
De Venecia said the program is an awareness drive to encourage residents, shed and resort owners, and visitors or tourists, to keep the beach area clean at all times from trash or litters.
“Ang programa ay tinawag na Ligtas-Dayat (Save the Sea) dahil ang pangunahing layunin nito ay makalikha ng awareness tungkol sa kabutihang maidudulot ng malinis na karagatan, hindi lamang sa turismo kundi maging sa environment (The program was called Ligtas Dayat because its main aim is to create awareness about the benefits of having a clean sea, not only for tourism, but also for the entire environment),” he remarked.
The long and wide beach area of San Fabian is flocked by tourists, especially local tourists, from neighboring towns and provinces as it is perfect for different activities. The waves are calm and it offers a panoramic sunset view.
The town is strategically located and is accessible from the pilgrimage town of Manaoag and Dagupan City.
De Venecia further said the construction of the San Fabian boardwalk is set to start next year from the coastal barangay of Bolasi, while the bikers den at the mountainous area of Tagaytay, Barangay Inmalog Sur, is nearing completion.
Part of the San Fabian Bike Trail, the bikers den will have a view deck overlooking the Lingayen Gulf, he added.
De Venecia is also organizing a “farm tour cum food trip or tour” within the fourth district, as he pushes for the promotion of tourism and agri-business.
