GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Monday commended the officers and members of the Bantalan Sugar Dock Inc. for protecting Sugar Dock in Chalan Kanoa.
“It was because of that drive that we are here today. Because they needed something, they want to see something, and they have a vision. A vision to make Bantalan and their pavilion a better place for everybody,” the governor said in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Sugar Dock shelter.
On Feb. 17, 2022 the governor brought Infrastructure and Recovery Program civil engineer Mariano Iglesias and Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Anthony Benavente to the area to present to the Bantalan Sugar Dock Inc. officers the architectural/engineering design of the shelter.
On Monday, the governor shared “what has transpired to get us to where we are today.”
Back in October or November of last year, he said former Rep. Martin B. Ada and Bantalan member Keith Ada informed him about their concerns regarding the Sugar Dock pavilion, and asked how the governor and the Infrastructure and Recovery Program could help.
“We came here with the team. We also called IRP, and we assessed the pavilion. As the former congressman said, ‘Once you say Bantalan, you already know it’s an iconic name and an iconic location.’ People from different ethnic backgrounds and ages come here and talk about everything, but one thing is for sure, they’re here to protect not just Bantalan, but the whole area so let’s give a round of applause to the organization.”
He said, “There’s an issue regarding water use for showers and for cooking. Today, there is no water here, but the Department of Lands and Natural Resources has committed to putting a water station in the pavilion, one for the shower, and two or three more down on the other side of the pavilion for our people and our tourists.”
The governor reiterated his appreciation for Bantalan Sugar Dock Inc. for their vision and for sharing it with the administration.
“So, here we are, moving forward. It took us several months to get permits from the Historic Preservation Office and other agencies because we want to do it right. Once again, I would like to thank the permitting agencies for your continued assistance,” the governor said.
Bantalan president Ramon Cabrera expressed gratitude to the governor.
Rep. Martin Ada, the group’s adviser, said they are so lucky they have the IRP to help them with the project, as well as the DLNR secretary who is helping with the water connection.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, joins the officers of Bantalan Sugar Dock Inc. and other government officials in a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Sugar Dock Shelter in Chalan Kanoa on Monday.
