SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION – The Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signs today a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that would allow the PPMC to repair and rehabilitate Poro Point’s iconic Lighthouse.

The rehabilitation and repair of the Poro Point Lighthouse by the PPMC is part of the PCG’s “Adopt-a-Lighthouse” program that encourages third party participation in the preservation and maintenance of culturally valuable lighthouses.

The lighthouse to be rehabilitated was erected way back in the 1970’s. It is one of the oldest yet still functional lighthouses in the country. It is solar powered and its lights can reach as far as 10 nautical miles. Its apex allows clear view of the surrounding panoramic landscapes and seascapes of La Union.

Aside from the rehabilitation of the lighthouse, the PPMC will also rehabilitate the shotgun house used by the keeper of the lighthouse. It will be turned into a museum.

PPMC will take charge of the repair and rehabilitation of the lighthouse, including preparation of a Program of Work (POW) for the project.

The rehabilitation of the lighthouse and shotgun house is expected to be completed in time for the next Sillag in 2013.

“The lighthouse is a celebrated historical landmark of North Luzon,” said BCDA Chairman Felicito Payumo, highlighting that “Just as the lighthouse serves as a beacon to guide boats safely to shore, the Poro Point Special Economic Zone serves as a beacon for development in the whole of North Luzon – a guiding light that brings in increased tourism and investment to the shores of North Luzon.”

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Casanova said the adoption of the lighthouse is part of the BCDA Group’s efforts to preserve our national heritage while pursuing development in the regions.

“The BCDA group is happy to participate in preserving our national heritage,” Casanova said, adding that “Lighthouses are part of our character as a nation, being an archipelago where the sea and its shores are a daily part of the Filipino’s life.”

Casanova said that while BCDA seeks to develop economic hubs that bring employment to thousands of Filipinos, “We also seek to enhance the Filipino’s character and sense of history. We want all Filipinos to be proud of our heritage as a nation,” he stated.

PPMC Chairman Ives Q. Nisce said that the rehabilitation of the Poro Point Lighthouse is but a first step in future efforts to highlight the province of La Union as a tourism and investment area.

“We are confident other groups will be follow our lead and replicate our rehabilitation and development efforts in their side of La Union,” Nicse said.

“We hope that other entities from the private sector will emulate our efforts to preserve history while promoting tourism,” PPMC President Florante Gerdan said. He added: “Preserving our heritage sites would contribute to increase in tourist arrivals, and eventually increase in investments as well as business opportunities for the local entrepreneurs.”

“So we preserve our past, to open doors for our future,” Gerdan stated.

PPMC will allocate fund for the project and ensure the lighthouse’s rehabilitation and maintenance in collaboration with the PCG which has jurisdiction over the facility.

The original lighthouse in Poro Point was built in 1885 during the Spanish colonial era. Only a shell of the original lighthouse remains and will be preserved as well.