Property donation solves port project snag in Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines – The access road problem that hinders the completion of the P35-million roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) port project in Maya, Daanbantayan ended yesterday with the formal donation of the 5,534-square meter property to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The heirs of Cosme Arriesgado, Sr. and Visitacion Arriesgado signed the deed of donation in favor of the DPWH first engineering district to complete the project which is seen to further boost the tourism industry in the fourth district.

Eugene Arriesgado, Ma. Lucia A. Regalado and Emma A. Mariblanca said that the property was originally donated in February 2005 but the ownership was reverted to them after the lapse of five years because some conditions were not complied with.

The Arriesgado heirs said they decided to sign another deed of donation "in order to give progress to the Fourth District."

According to them, they wanted to ensure that the ro-ro port in Maya will be completed. The project was funded by the provincial government while Rep. Benhur Salimbangon assisted in the acquisition of the access road.

The first phase of the access road was already completed in July 31, 2009. The last phase was supposed to be completed last July 30 but because property acquisition problem the completion was delayed.

Salimbangon said that the ro-ro port will make trade facilitation easier in other provinces like Samar, Masbate, Iloilo, Leyte and even to the nearby Malapascua Island, one of the tourist destinations in the north.

Salimbangon said the port will also complement the planned rehabilitation of a private airstrip in Medillin into a commercial airport. Medillin plans to put up an economic zone in the town. (THE FREEMAN)