It is very encouraging to see various public and private sector participants actively taking part in our workshops during stakeholder consultations. These activities allow stakeholders to share their recommendations and visions for their municipality or city, generating a great sense of interest and ownership.

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Back in August, we held the first stakeholders consultation for the Municipality of Bacnotan’s Urban Development and Area Master Plan. This will guide Bacnotan’s development to achieve its vision to become the Premier Economic Hub of La Union by 2050. During the stakeholder consultation, 85 participants actively took part in the activities. These included Mayor Divine Fontanilla, Vice Mayor Francis Fontanilla, the Technical Working Group, Barangay Captains, and sectoral representatives.

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Four (4) priority areas were identified as part of the drafting of the Urban Development Plan. Given the insights from the stakeholder consultation, the four (4) priority areas considered were Arosip Nature-Adventure Park, Baroro Riverfront Development, Central/Poblacion, and the Proposed Sta. Rita Ecozone/Bacnotan Ecological-Industrial Park.

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Moreover, in crafting the development plans for the Municipality, the Palafox Team visited several of its major industries and tourist spots, including the Baroro River, Holcim Philippines - Bacnotan, La Union Plant, Barangay Quirino Surfing Area, BALBASAN Marine-Protected Area (MPA) along Barangay Quirino, the Centennial Tree in Barangay Carcarmay, Arosip Nature Adventure, Bussaoit Lake, and Zimzim-og Falls.

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To determine the industry chain opportunities in the Municipality, the Palafox Team also visited the local businesses that produce Bacnotan's primary products such as honey, silk, sugarcane wine (basi) and vinegar, mushroom, and buffalo milk.

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