Architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox Jr. of Palafox Associates returned to Bayambang on November 23, to personally turn over the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan-Zoning Ordinance 2018-2027 of the town.

It can be recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Pangasinan, under the new leadership of Governor Ramon ‘Mon-Mon’ Guico III and Vice-Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, approved the town’s CLUP-ZO which was updated in 2017 and had to undergo some revisions to be in compliance with the requirements of provincial, regional, and national approving entities.

Receiving the copies of document at the turn-over ceremony held at the Balon Bayambang Events Center were former Mayor and now Special Assistant to the Mayor, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, under whose administration the CLUP-ZO updating was started, together with the Sangguniang Bayan under former Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan.

With him were Mayor Niña J. Quiambao, Vice-Mayor Ian Camille Sabangan, municipal councilors, department and unit heads under Municipal Administrator, Atty. Rodelynn Rajini S. Vidad, and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Ma-lene S. Torio.

In their respective speeches, Dr. Quiambao and Ar. Palafox recalled the time the former proposed the project to the latter, with both visionaries sharing similar experiences in turning grand plans into actual reality.

Successful implementation of the CLUP, Palafox said, requires five things: “1. visionary leadership, 2. political will, 3. a good appreciation for urban planning, 4. a good appreciation for architecture and engineering, and 5. good governance.” He then expressed confidence that the current local dispensation possesses all five requirements.

In her own message, Mayor Niña Quiambao underscored her conviction that, “This Plan should not just remain a plan, but it should become a reality.”

Palafox Associates’ Environmental Planner Ryan Jame Nicholai L. Dizon and EnP. Vince Ullero then took turns in presenting Bayambang’s CLUP in detail, describing their envisioned development approach for the town as an equitable, environment-friendly agropolis (agricultural city) with multiple urban/growth centers, among other things.

Among those witnessing the turnover were the town’s Punong Barangays and CSO representatives from all sectors.

All of the attendees had previously taken part in the crafting of the Plan, in workshops facilitated by Palafox Associates at the same venue. The approved CLUP-ZO is poised to serve as the basis for the town’s long-term infrastructure development.