Arroyo in Cebu today

CEBU, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in Cebu today for various commitments, including the celebration of Cebu City’s 73rd charter anniversary in the evening during which she will be awarded the “Order of Rajah Humabon.”

Arroyo’s itinerary will begin at the Maya Wharf in the northern town of Daanbantayan where she will inaugurate the newly improved and concreted Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daanbantayan-Maya road.

After the inauguration, the president will proceed to Mandaue City via the Cansaga Bay Bridge en route to Cabancalan-Canduman Bridge where she is expected to unveil the project marker. Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, Sixth District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, and Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Victor Domingo will also attend the unveiling ceremony.

The Cabancalan-Canduman Bridge, which was completed on December 5, 2009, is a 40-meter span pre-stressed concrete girder bridge with approaches of 122 meters at the Barangay Cabancalan side and 138 meters at the Barangay Canduman side or a total project length of 300 meters.

It was built purposely to reduce traffic congestion in Barangay Canduman where residential areas have continued to spread.

At 11:30, after the unveiling ceremony in Mandaue City, the President will proceed to Pier 1 in Cebu City where she will take the boat to Bohol via RORO.

With her term as president coming to an end, Press Secretary Gary Olivar said Arroyo will be leaving a legacy to the tourism industry that she wishes the next president to continue.

Olivar said this legacy involves the development of the Central Philippines Super Region, which natural wonders and cultural heritage is now becoming an emerging world-class tourist destination.

The Central Philippines Super Region comprises Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, Camiguin and the island of Siargao. – Johanna T. Natavio and Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)