An investor has expressed interest to put a theme park in Laoag City in the mold of Star City in Metro Manila.

This was announced by Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas after his initial talks with Ms Rose Flaminiano, one of the owners of FLT Films and the Rosemont Executive Suites in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

According to Fariñas, the theme park would be a joint effort between the city government and the Flaminianos, with the city providing the lot and the Flaminianos in charge of the construction.

The lot that is being planned for the construction, Fariñas said, is the estimated five hectare-lot owned by the city government below the Gilbert Bridge, or where the annual Carnival is being set-up during city fiestas.

Fariñas also mentioned that the construction of the said theme park would start on October this year and would be finished by February of next year, if all the requisite papers are processed immediately.

The project, Fariñas added, would have a great impact on the city’s tourism as well as employment opportunities for city residents, stressing that during the park’s construction stage alone, a lot of manpower would be needed.

“Daytoy to manen iti mangipasimudaag nga iti siyudad ti Laoag ket maysan a progreso ken maipag-pannakel dagiti taga Laoag ken Ilocos Norte (This would again be another indication that Laoag City has progressed and Laoag City and Ilocos Norte residents would be proud of the project),” Fariñas explained.

Fariñas also clarified that the investors would also still pay the rent for the city lot as well as amusement taxes.

Meanwhile, Engineer Ruben Domingo, city assessor, confirmed that the proposed five hectares below the Gilbert Bridge is available.

He also said that the proposed theme park would cover the city fiesta carnival site all the way to Ermita Hill.

Domingo further said that there are also other private lots that are available in case the investor would not want the proposed location.

Dominic B. dela Cruz