STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — Pangasinan takes a step toward becoming the “Singapore of the North” with the groundbreaking of an 11-storey government tower, and a 1,500-seat capacity convention center on Feb. 20 at the Capitol Complex in Lingayen.
The projects aim to centralize and streamline government services while driving economic growth and creating a world-class hub of opportunities.
A tower of progress and innovation
Currently, the offices of various provincial departments such as the Finance Department, the Public Information Office (PIO), and the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) are spread across separate buildings within the Capitol Complex.
Governor Ramon Guico III emphasized the importance of centralizing operations for better service delivery.
“What we are seeing now [is the] realization of our vision. We ensure that as we modernize, we build with excellence, setting an example for other provinces in the Philippines,” Guico emphasized in his speech during the ceremony.
Like Singapore, the projects are described as a forward step toward transforming Pangasinan into a model of innovation, infrastructure, and economic vitality.
The P2-billion first phase of the government tower, the result of over two years of planning and consultation, is set for completion this year.
Designed to meet global standards, the government tower will feature pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, an intelligent traffic light system, enhanced interconnectivity, open spaces, and an iconic architectural design — turning it into a landmark symbol of the province’s modernization.
Alongside the government tower, the P30-million first phase of the convention center is also set for completion this year.
“The convention center will be accompanied by a 300-room, internationally branded hotel,” Guico added.
He said that both projects are funded through a loan from Landbank and are expected to be completed within three to four years, assuring the public that the historic Provincial Capitol Building will be preserved and will continue to host ceremonial events and official visits.
Economic growth
The projects are expected to generate thousands of jobs during its construction and operation phases.
Economic enterprises such as salt farms, hospitals, and the Pangasinan Polytechnic College are also expected to benefit from the enhanced infrastructure and connectivity brought by this development.
Kolvin Carlos Canilang, a communication student from Lingayen, who frequently processes sponsorship documents at the provincial government, expressed his excitement for the project.
“With this project, the flow of transactions will be streamlined, and everything we need will be housed in just one building,” he said in a phone interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Pangasinan on Feb. 23.
The completion of these projects will mark a new chapter in Pangasinan’s journey toward becoming a regional hub of opportunities. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
