Liloan, Compostela eye recla projects in 2009

CEBU – The municipalities of Liloan and Compostela are envisioning for the realization of their proposed reclamation project next year that will further encourage economic activities in their respective localities.

But the two towns still have to secure approval from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) before they can start the construction of their projects.

 Liloan Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco said his town is asking the PRA to consider the construction of a reclamation project in Barangay Poblacion. The town council has already passed a resolution to that effect, he added.

Further, Frasco said that they have also passed a resolution to Remonde and to Ebdane to use the proposed 25.30-hectare reclamation project in his town as the exit point of the north coastal road, which is now under construction.

“As of the moment, the proposed exit point is in the front of San Fernando church and the municipal hall. With the amount of traffic in this three-point intersection, the DPWH has proposed to construct a flyover,” Frasco said in a text message sent to The Freeman.

However, the mayor said that a flyover in front of the church and the municipal hall “is simply unacceptable.”

He explained that the proposed reclamation of Liloan will provide enough space to construct another road where the north coastal road will exit and does not require the construction a flyover in front of their church and municipal hall.

“Essentially, it is less costly and no demolition of existing structures,” Frasco stressed.  

He said he is hoping that the PRA will approve his town’s proposal in order for the municipality to dive up its economic activities and realize the town’s aim to become a city.

For his part, Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas said he had already presented the development plan and perspective of their planned project to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during the latter’s visit to the town recently.

Wagas plans to ask the province’s assistance to secure a loan for the municipality to fund the proposed reclamation project.

Compostela’s proposed reclamation project, which is expected to cost less than P100 million, will be used as port for fishermen and other small vessels in the area.

The same project will be built in Barangay Poblacion in Compostela town right at the back of the old public market, Wagas added.

Wagas is determined to finish the project before his term ends because it is included in his 12-point agenda.

Wagas said the reclamation project will also set off with the Cebu North Road project, another route being constructed to provide alternative route to vehicles going to the northern part of Cebu from the metropolis.

The towns of Compostela and Liloan have been both upgraded to a first class municipality late this year. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)