ASINGAN, Pangasinan, April 24 — Former President Fidel V. Ramos has urged local government officials here to arrest the steady and marked deterioration of the Asingan Tourism and Recreation Center (ATRC).
In an open letter to Asingan Mayor Carlos Lopez, the former Chief Executive reminded Lopez, who was also the incumbent municipal mayor at the time of his presidency, that the purpose and vision for the ATRC was to create a wholesome community center with sports, reading, recreation and tourism facilities for the "benefit of our townmates, their families and friends," and out-of-town visitors, particularly "balikbayans." It was to be a "centerpiece project and long-term asset for our beloved hometown."
“Unfortunately, I am dismayed, and extremely disappointed, to learn that the Center's pavilion — which used to house a reading center for interested residents, particularly our students, and repository of FVR memorabilia — has been degraded into a karaoke/resto-bar and obvious transaction point for alleged unsavory activities involving 'women for hire', leading to its becoming a front for prostitution," Ramos said.
The former President, who built the ATRC during his presidency, added that he need not remind Lopez — as a previous and current elected "father" of the town — that it is important to protect the youth from such vices as alcoholism and women-trafficking, especially due to the proximity of the national high school named after his beloved mother, Angela Valdez-Ramos.
“This project spans three presidencies — from the time when former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Philip Ella Juico and myself, together with you as mayor, inaugurated this project's 25-meter swimming pool with a "fun swim/race" on April 18, 1997 - up to the present," he said.
The former President has photos that clearly indicate the steady and unmitigated deterioration of the ATRC.
Ramos strongly urged Lopez to undertake the needed corrections now in order to restore the facilities to their original state and purpose, and remove the stigma now attached to the ATRC because of nefarious activities therein.
Former President Ramos pointed out about the signing ceremony on November 22, 2005 at the Casino Español for the release of P6,000,000, in equal shares emanating from both Secretary Joseph Durano of the Department of Tourism-Philippine Tourism Authority and from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Conrado Estrella III of the 6th District of Pangasinan, for the ATRC's initial rehabilitation after it had become inoperational during the term of Lopez as mayor from 1998 to 2001.
“I am constrained to put on record the current state of affairs regarding the Asingan Tourism and Recreation Center. As a resident and continuing taxpayer of Asingan, and as a concerned Filipino citizen and elder, I may be forced to initiate criminal charges against you, and others equally liable and accountable, as may be warranted by a proper investigation, in regard to the disposition of the funds and other assets contributed or donated for the establishment and maintenance of the ATRC since 1998 to-date,” Ramos said. (PNA)
