From just 150,000 tourists annually, Alaminos City now welcomes around 500,000 local and foreign visitors and residents of Pangasinan, thanks to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In his speech, Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Arthur F. Celeste thanked President Marcos for his invaluable support in advancing tourism development projects in the province.

Celeste said the local economy and tourist arrivals benefited from the President’s support through national government-backed tourism initiatives.

“Mr. President, kung mayroon po kaming ipaparating sa inyo sa araw na ito, wala pong iba kundi ang magpasalamat nang malaki,” Celeste said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sky Garden Project in Alaminos City on Friday.

“With all these projects na nakikita ninyo, hindi lang po Sky Garden actually ang iga-groundbreak natin. Dahil ‘yun pong nakikita ninyo ngayon- Alaminos City Baywalk from Lucap to Mangrove Park, kasama po ‘yan. Nag-umpisa po ‘yan noong panahon ng inyong presidency,” continued Celeste.

He served as mayor of Alaminos from 2013 to 2019.

According to Celeste, nine years ago, Alaminos City had only 150,000 tourists annually and earned about PhP5 million per year from tourism.

Celeste said Alaminos City currently receives about 500,000 visitors a year and earned more than PhP40 million from tourism income last year.

The earnings benefited local businesses such as boat operators, hotel owners, souvenir shops, vendors, and local government units.

Celeste said the Sky Garden Project, which will provide a panoramic view of the iconic Hundred Islands National Park, will further boost tourist activities in the province.

“With this project, 100 percent sure po ako, pag natapos po natin ito, nagawa po natin lahat ito, lalong lalakas ang turismo. Hindi lang po sa siyudad ng Alaminos, sa 1st district, sa province, kundi sa buong Region I,” Celeste said.

The Sky Garden Project aims to provide visitors of all ages a safe and relaxing space for leisure. It will feature elevated gardens, walkways, a multi-purpose event hall, and commercial centers.

It is located near Pangasinan’s beaches overlooking the famous Hundred Islands and the eight-hectare Mangrove Eco Park.

To be funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the project is expected to be completed on March 15, 2026. | PND