What if the aging walkways we pass by, the broken bridges we ignore, and the forgotten establishments we overlook could be transformed into vibrant community hubs that spark connection, creativity, and commerce?
This vision is at the heart of the first Placemaking Dagupan Contest – a design competition inviting artists, designers, architects, and visionaries to reimagine Dagupan City’s public spaces.
The contest, initiated by Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, is part of the ongoing Bangus Festival.
In an interview over the weekend, de Venecia said the contest aims to promote inclusive and sustainable designs for Dagupan City’s often overlooked areas such as beaches, backstreets, overpasses, hidden corners, markets, and fishponds.
“Imagine an island that through place making, all of a sudden became a destination for tourists,” de Venecia said.
He said that giving young professionals space to share their creative ideas could lead to the revival of underutilized areas and potentially boost tourism in unexpected locations.
De Venecia shared that the idea for the contest was sparked by conversations with local architects and creatives who had long imagined new uses for old spaces. These ideas, he said, started as a dream but could evolve into reality when supported by institutions such as the local government, national agencies, or even Congress.
He cited The Bikers’ Den in Barangay Inmalog Sur, San Fabian town as a successful local example of placemaking.
What began as a small intervention eventually created a ripple effect – boosting tourism, encouraging business activity, and helping generate over P1.3 billion in revenue for the barangay.
“Placemaking isn’t just about pretty spaces, it brings economic and social returns,” he said.
The contest is open to all individuals aged 18 and above. It encourages entries that are not only visually appealing but also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
Submission of entries is until April 23 and winning designs will be showcased during Dagupan City’s Bangus Festival 2025.
Concept proposals must be submitted in PDF format, with a maximum of six pages, to [email protected].
Winning entries will receive P30,000 for the first prize, P20,000 for the second prize, P10,000 for third prize, and P5,000 for honorable mentions.
“Placemaking in other countries is professional and intentional. Through this contest, we hope to cultivate the same culture, where people feel free to dream and hopefully even if it’s just one of those ideas, it gets the chance to come true,” de Venecia said.
With this initiative, Dagupan City opens its streets and spaces to the imagination of its people, showing that placemaking is not just a project, but a movement – one that fosters inclusive and sustainable communities. (CCMT/EMSA, PIA Pangasinan)
