PB backs revision of plan for Cordova Reclamation Project

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board and the Cordova Municipal Council have agreed to revise the plan for the Cordova Reclamation Project, which would now include smaller areas for pocket development of specific land uses.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy has moved to “re-plan” the proposed 50-hectare reclamation project in barangay Day-as in Cordova to make it “responsive to the needs of the present time.”

Covered by the project is the Cordova-Cebu Golf and Resort, Inc. pegged at P2.2 billion, which will be constructed on a 62-hectare property at the town’s Lava Island.

In a resolution, the Cordova Municipal Council said, “in order to pave the way for the vision of development of the area, the present administration has taken a bolder step to re-plan the Cordova Reclamation Project via three smaller, financially-viable and environment-friendly development projects.”

The council said even smaller projects would require reclamation to creation lands to be accommodate a so-called “tourism estate” with five-star hotels, a golf course, a port, and other facilities.

“Such small projects have been conceptualized to maximize the benefits to the Municipality of Cordova and in consonance with the zoning and comprehensive land use plan,” the council said.

Board Member Juan Bolo, chairperson of the committee on provincial and municipal properties, said the municipality’s reclamation project has secured both the approval of the Cebu Reclamation Project Authority and the Philippine Reclamation Project.

Board Member Juan Bolo said maximizing the usage of the lots would also be vital for the development of foreshore lands.

The project development will be under an Integrated and Comprehensive Framework to make up for town’s “much-delayed progress” following the failure of the Malayan Integrated Industries Corp. to implement the contract since 1977.

Cordova had terminated its contract with Malayan Industries for the planning and implementation of the reclamation project.

The town’s council claims the municipality has been receiving various “expressions of interest” from private entities to implement projects “under legally acceptable arrangements.”

Bolo cited provisions of the Local Government Code, which empowers government units to enter into contracts to develop and acquire real property as a direct consequence of its corporate powers.

In his committee report, Bolo states, “the purpose of which the lot would be utilized is indeed imbued with the character of public interest and the issue whether the benefits will redound to the general welfare already settled.” — Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)