Suspension bridge eyed in Tuburan

CEBU, Philippines — The local government of Tuburan in Cebu has proposed the construction of a 200-meter suspension bridge at Atabay Peak in Barangay Marmol as part of efforts to develop the town’s mountain tourism attractions.

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said the project is among the tourism facilities the agency is considering for development following a proposal from the local government.

Former Tuburan mayor Aljun Diamante said the suspension bridge would connect Atabay Peak to another rock formation. Staircases would also be constructed to provide visitors access to the formations, which offer panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Mark and Diamante also visited the nearby Tuburan 360 eco-tourism destination in Barangay Kabangkalan, which stands more than 340 meters above sea level.

During their visit on Thursday, they planted bamboo and coffee seedlings at Bamboo Village and Tuburan Coffee Farm in observance of National Environmental Awareness Month.

Mayor Christian Daniel Diamante, Vice Mayor Danilo Diamante, and other local officials also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tuburan Heroes Park project.

The visit was among the activities led by TIEZA and the Lingkod Lapid program, which also brought public service and entertainment activities to Cebu.

In Cebu City, Lingkod Lapid conducted a medical and social mission on Saturday at the covered court of Barangay San Nicolas Proper, offering free dental services, general medical checkups, eye examinations with free reading glasses, legal consultations, haircuts, “hilot,” and shoe repair.

Beneficiaries also received free basic and maintenance medicines through partnerships with the City Health Office, Department of Health Region 7, and Generika Drugstore. Free porridge and taho were likewise distributed.

The mission, which targeted 300 to 500 beneficiaries from 8 a.m. to noon, was attended by Mark’s father, Senator Lito Lapid, and his brother Maynard Lapid, who was appointed assistant secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lingkod Lapid is an initiative of the senator and his son Mark. The program provides assistance to underprivileged communities and people affected by natural and human-induced disasters.

Meanwhile, Mark, along with his fellow cast members of the television series “Sigabo,” JC de Vera, John Medina, Eruption, Ryan Martin, and Via Antonio, as well as Bangsamoro pop singer Shaira and actress Ashley Diaz, held a mini-show dubbed “Handog Saya” at the Tuburan covered court.

A similar mini-show was held on Friday, November 6, at the Samuel McClintock Hall of Cebu Normal University (CNU) in Cebu City.

During the CNU event, Mark and university president Dr. Laurence Garcia announced that 300 students are being considered for scholarships under the Tulong Dunong program.

The scholarship provides P7,500 per beneficiary through a program implemented in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education. — (FREEMAN)