Poro Point baywalk project launches April 11

MANILA, Philippines – The construction of the Poro Point baywalk project will be formally launched Saturday, April 11, as one of the highlights of this year’s Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights in San Fernando City, La Union.

Situated inside the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ), the P58.91-million ($1.32 million) project is approximately 1.3 kilometers and boasts of an events center which includes an amphitheater, an eco-park, and playground.

The PPFZ is under the stewardship of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary, the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC).

PPMC chairman Ives Nisce added that a cut lot at the commercial strip along the Poro Point baywalk will measure 400 square meters, 60% of which will be utilized for building the structure.

The Poro Point Bay Walk and Events Center project is set to showcase the former US military facility as a business hub and tourist destination as well.  Upon its completion, the promenade by the sea will benefit the local community as small and medium entrepreneurs and businessmen will be given preference in leasing commercial lots. 

To date, at least 9 enterprises have signified interest in entering into lease contracts with PPMC for business in the baywalk commercial strip.

The baywalk will be built on the side of Poro Point facing the San Fernando Bay where one may appreciate the evening lights from Poro all the way to Bacnotan and Balaoan. 

Entrance will be free to the public, with specific foot traffic targeting families on vacation, joggers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Increased tourist spending

The BCDA and PPMC expect the project to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2015.

Local officials in the region are optimistic that the development will boost the business environment in Poro Point as it will further attract both local and foreign tourists, leading to increased tourist spending. 

Increased job opportunities for La Union residents are also expected as a huge percentage of the workforce of lessees will come from San Fernando City and La Union, in general.

The launching ceremony is a major part of the 4-day Sillag (Ilocano for moonbeam) Festival of Lights from April 9 to 12.

Arnel Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA president and chief executive officer, expressed confidence in the feasibility of the project and urged all stakeholders to help “put San Fernando City, La Union at the world map of major tourist and recreation destinations.”

“I share the excitement of the people of La Union and of northern Luzon that the Poro Point baywalk project will now take off,” said Casanova, who is expected to join other BCDA-PPMC officials and local government leaders at the project launch.

The PPMC said an average of 20,000 people per day, hundreds of which are foreign tourists, are expected to witness the 4-day festival.

The peak number of visitors is expected to reach 40,000. – Rappler.com