The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will install water barriers to protect the Tondaligan Beach baywalk from wave erosion.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar bared this when he inspected the Tondaligan baywalk here on Monday.

“Napakaganda ng ginawa nila dito dahil talagang nagkaroon ng pedestrian infrastructure which is one of the projects being promoted by the national government. Gusto ko na madagdagan ang pondo nito at mapabilis ang construction (What they did here is impressive because there is now pedestrian infrastructure which is one of the projects being promoted by the national government. I want to add funds for this project and hasten its construction). I will work out for the funding of the second phase to further expand the boardwalk,” Villar said.

The baywalk has a pedestrian lane, biker’s lane, plant boxes, and provision initially of solar lights.

Dagupan City Mayor Marc Brian Lim said there is a need for a water barrier as big waves have been “eating” the coastline and the beach erosion is nearing the boardwalk.

Big waves, which usually occur in the evening until dawn, move sand into the infrastructure.

Personnel of the Tondaligan Park and the Japanese Garden Park clear the boardwalk of the thick pile of sand the following morning.

“Malaki ang impact nitong project dahil sa proximity sa beach, makaka-attract ng tourists, plus the comfort of the local residents. Somehow, makatutulong din sa economy (The project has a big impact due to its proximity to the beach as it will attract tourists plus the comfort of the local residents. Somehow, it will be able to help in the economy),” Villar said.

Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher De Venecia initiated the baywalk project and its groundbreaking was held in 2018.

The initial PHP75 million funding was from the Department of Tourism. (PNA)