2 weeks ago
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MANAOAG, Pangasinan — A new Pasalubong Center, designed by award-winning architects, is rapidly taking shape in front of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag here.
The project, whose design was personally funded by Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, is set to be completed later this year.
The center's design was created by renowned architects Jason Bunsalido and Cholo Ramirez of Barchan Architecture and Design Company in Manila.
Located inside the town's Rizal Park at the left side of the church's driveway, the center will offer a variety of One-Town-One Product from the towns of Manaoag, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, and San Fabian, and the city of Dagupan.
These products include processed food and beverage, delicacies, packaged culinary dishes, agricultural produce, industrial products, home, fashion, garments and textiles, accessories, gifts and souvenir items, personal care and cosmetics, among others.
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Pilgrims and tourists visiting the basilica will be able to purchase local goods after attending Mass.
Supervised by the 2nd Pangasinan Engineering District Office headed by Editha Manuel, the project broke ground in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in six to eight months.
An initial funding of P4 million was allocated for the project in 2024, with an additional P10 million earmarked for 2025.
Efforts are being rushed to complete the center in time for the influx of tourists visiting Manaoag during Holy Week.
The project was approved by the Municipal Government of Manaoag, led by Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, and the Manaoag Basilica parish.
It aims to further boost tourism in Manaoag, known as the religious capital of Pangasinan.
The basilica, home to the miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag, attracts up to three million devotees during the Lenten season and nearly one million visitors throughout the rest of the year. It is considered the heart of Catholic faith in Pangasinan and Region 1.
Clergy members of the basilica have expressed their support for the project, noting that the architectural design of the Pasalubong Center complements the century-old church's color and style.
De Venecia, who envisioned the Pasalubong Center as an additional tourist attraction, personally contributed P2 million for the project design to ensure that the facility would be both visually appealing and functional.
In addition to offering local products, the two-story building will feature clean restrooms for the convenience of visitors.
With its strategic location and modern design, the Pasalubong Center is expected to play a key role in further enhancing Manaoag's appeal to both tourists and investors in the coming years.
