Arroyo orders speedy implementation of north road widening projects

President Gloria Arroyo directed Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano to coordinate with concerned national government agencies for the immediate implementation of the Cebu North Road widening projects.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new Danao City Terminal, Arroyo said that the implementation of the north road widening project is part of the priority projects under her administration.

She hopes that with the leadership of Durano, as head of the Super Region-Central Philippines, projects proposed by local government units in Cebu will immediately be implemented.

Danao City Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III informed Arroyo on the importance of the north road-widening project in the continued development of northern Cebu.

Durano said that lately more businessmen expressed interest in pouring investments into the city especially at the economic zone in barangay Sabang where Cebu Mitsumi, Inc., a Japanese firm that currently employs about 15,000 workers, mostly women, is located.

Fifth district Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI, on the other hand, said the funds needed for the implementation of the road-widening project in the north will be included in the General Appropriations Act next year.

Although, Durano hasn't given any figure yet he assured that the funds will be channeled through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob Sr. said the realization of the project would benefit his town as this would decongest traffic.

The lack of budget has stalled the implementation of certain projects during the previous administration.

Arroyo also said she wants Danao City to serve as an example to local government units nationwide to avail of the loan funding from the Land Bank of the Philippines for local development projects.

The LBP has US $200-million budget allocation for local development projects that may be undertaken by the LGUs, according to the President.

The P74-million bus terminal cum public market is constructed 0n a 10,056 sq. meter lot and has 120 available stalls accommodating the same number of vehicles at any given time. The terminal will be fully operational in a week's time to serve Danao City, which has a population of 90,000.

The new bus terminal can also help transport fish products from nearby provinces with the near completion of the Macapagal-Durano Fish Port Project to other parts of the province, Arroyo said.

Arroyo mentioned her nautical highway project that aims to make the transport of goods and services among the country's islands more efficient, accessible and affordable.

Upon the President's arrival via chopper at the Macapagal-Durano Fish Port Project landing zone, she was briefed by Mayor Durano on the status of the ongoing fish port project.

Phase 1 of the project was partially funded by the President's Social Fund while the Phase 2 includes the building component of the project that is expected to be finished by June 2007.

Arroyo also said the fish port project is a testimony of the three-generations of friendship that existed between the Macapagals and the Duranos that began with her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal, and Danao City's Grand Old Man, the late Ramon Durano Sr.

After the inaugural activities, the President together with her party composed of Trade Sec. Peter Favila, Presidential Chief of Staff Sec. Mike Defensor and Tourism Secretary Durano were invited to brunch at the mayor's residence.

The President and her party left shortly before noon for Mactan Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City for her departure back to Manila. - Gregg M. Rubio and Jose P. Sollano