MASANTOL -- The local government here, in partnership with the Pampanga Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is set to rehabilitate the board walk along the portion Pampanga River in this town.
Mayor Danilo Guintu and PENRO officials led the signing of memorandum of agreement for the improvement of the said infrastructure located at the stretch of the coast of Barangay Sagrada here.
Guintu said that the project will include beautification of the boardwalk through construction of minipark with concrete walkway and installation of a gazebo, and strengthening of the view deck overlooking the Pampanga River.
He said the project has an initial funding of P3.8-million sourced by Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc and will be augmented by a budget from the local government.
“This is in line with our programs aimed at boosting our tourism sector, particularly the ones that are promoting the beauty of Pampanga River, which have been one of our priority programs under the Pampanga Megalopolis,” he said.
He added that the project will complement the other existing and planned tourism programs which include the migratory bird watching activity and floating restaurant and river cruise along the Pampanga River.
“Through the rehabilitation of the board walk and view deck, we are optimistic that Masantol will be known not only as seafood capital of the Philippines but also a major tourism destination in Pampanga,” Guintu added.
Barangay Sagrada Chairwoman Tet Lacap, for her part, expressed her gratitude to Guintu and PENRO officials for imparting another developmental project in her barangay.
She stressed that the infrastructure will surely benefit not only residents of Barangay Sagrada but also those of other villages in the left and right bank portion of the Pampanga River here.
“Our kabalens here, especially senior citizens and the youth, will soon have place of recreation where they can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and Pampanga River. On Sundays, we can also make this a venue for family day where everybody can bond over picnic and stories,” she said.
As chief of village, Lacap also vowed to lead the maintenance of the area once it is turned over to the barangay.