ANGELES CITY -- The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Angeles City Chapter said Wednesday that it supports the tourism and beautification plans of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.
The group said such programs will spur additional infrastructure projects and tourism surge for the Metro Clark and Angeles areas.
The manifestation of support was announced by Past District Director Architect Andy Gulapa, past-presidents Dan Dizon and Jun Vitug, president Francis Frigiliana and District Director Menchie Manalo during a courtesy call to Pamintuan.
Gulapa, in an interview with Sun.Star Pamapanga, said the UAP is 100 percent behind Pamintuan's plans of greening and turning many areas of Angeles City into wholesome destinations.
Gulapa said the beautification projects planned by Pamintuan are also essential in bringing in more tourists to the city.
"The tourism industry is basically dependent on the tourism destinations, facilities for accommodation and the whole physical appeal of the tourism destination and its surroundings. Angeles City is in a strategic area where it can be a literal show-window to tourism destinations," Gulapa said.
He added that once Pamintuan is able to develop the tourism industry in Angeles City, the demand for more structures and construction of needed facilities will have its ripple effect not just on the architectural sector but also on engineering and other related industries.
"We have been experiencing the effects of tourism in many areas of Angeles City as more structures have been built in the past six years due to the influx of foreign investors and tourists who are among the major consumers and clients of many tourism related industries in the city," Gulapa said.
Gulapa said the UAP is urging Pamintuan to beautify major thoroughfares and entry points in the city. He, however, added that such programs should not leave out social development and poverty alleviation programs that also have an effect on the urban development of the city.
"We are optimistic of the current administration and the many possibilities that it can accomplish under Mayor Pamintuan. We are in full support of him and his administration," the UAP official said.