Anda today

It must have been at this time of the year 10 years ago when I last visited Anda aboard a Navy barge via the Kakiputan channel.

At that time, the bridge, which now connects Anda to Pangasinan mainland, was already nearing completion and in the barge, people were teary-eyed as they marveled at the unfolding structure that for many years may have only existed in their dreams.

To them, the bridge meant the end of their miseries, the end of their isolation. It was a bridge to their future.

And true enough. Only a few months after Anda was connected to the mainland, its economic landscape gradually changed for the better. It metamorphosed from depressed and neglected community into a progressive and vibrant one.

Rough roads have been paved, new public buildings have been erected, local businesses have flourished. People finally had access to opportunities.

What used to be a torturous ride from across the bridge in Barangay Mal-ong to the poblacion, is now fast and comfortable because of its well-paved road.

(I would learn later from Mayor Nestor Pulido that even the road to the island’s famous Tondol Beach has been cemented, attracting more tourists to the place.)

In the poblacion, what used to be a garrison-like public market has been replaced by an imposing modern structure. The poblacion is now fast taking shape as a town center.

Anda’s public schools are now also getting their share of new buildings and classrooms, making them more conducive to learning.

And because it’s now easier to transport their produce to major markets, such as Metro Manila, the town’s businessmen are now also making it big, increasing in turn the town’s revenues.

And all these because of the bridge. With it, Board Member Alice Pulido, who was the mayor then, also did her part very well.

Losing no time, Manang Alice talked then to congressmen and senators to ask them for a share of their countrywide development funds to finance the town’s roadlines, which was the top priority then.

She obviously got what she wanted within months and by the end of her three three-year terms, Anda’s major road network has been paved.

In my visit there last week, Manong Nestor said that his focus is to make the island greener.

In his farm, which is about 200 meters away from his residence, are hundreds of mahogany seedlings for distribution to Grade 1 pupils.

“We should start them young. We should tell them that by these planting trees, they are saving for their future,” he said.

He is now also propagating bougainvillea cuttings for planting in the roadsides. Then, he will also be distributing langka and kasoy seedlings.

“With more trees, hopefully, more water will also be retained in our island for drinking,” he said.

ENDNOTES: Last Tuesday, Immigration Commissioner Al Fernandez celebrated his 62nd birthday at the Inn Asia Hotel and Restaurant. The place was full of guests, mostly Dagupenos, whom he served for almost two decades as a councilor, vice mayor and mayor… On June 20, Dagupan marks its 58th anniversary as a city. The activity is chaired by Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Jorge Estrada.

QUICK QUOTE: How could there be any question of acquiring or possessing, when the one thing needful for a man is to become -- to be at last, and to die in the fullness of his being. -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery