P145M allocated for road in the northern tip of Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A P145 million allocation will be used by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve the Curva, Medellin to Malingin, Daanbantayan provincial road in northern Cebu once it will be converted into a national road.

Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon has asked the Provincial Development Council to endorse House Bill 2417 in the House of Representatives which seeks the conversion of the said road.

This prompted the PDC, chaired by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, to pass a resolution endorsing the bill during their meeting held recently at the Capitol.

Garcia explained that the PDC endorsement was requested by Salimbangon in order to strengthen his request to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to set aside the P145 million for the road concreting of the entire 15 kilometers stretch.

The Provincial Board already passed a resolution supporting Salimbangon’s proposal which is now pending before the House Committee on Public Works and Highways awaiting submission of requirements for road conversion.

A DPWH representative said during the PDC meeting that the PB resolution is enough to support the bill but Salimbangon requested Garcia for the PDC endorsement.

Bogo City Vice Mayor Santiago Sevilla moved for the endorsement which was later moved in mass by the PDC members present.

Salimbangon said the concreting of national roads in the fourth district are nearly completed which is why he now wants to help the provincial government by taking care of provincial roads.

Salimbangon asked the provincial government if the said road can be converted into a national road so that maintenance can be funded by the national government.

Funds would also be allocated annually to ensure maintenance, upkeep and serviceability of the road.

The Curva, Medellin-Malingin, Daanbantayan road is the main road leading to the on-going construction of a roll-on/roll-off port in Barangay Maya, the northern tip of the Province of Cebu.

It will be a component of the national nautical highway.

PB Member Joven Mondigo, Jr. said concreting the said road would put in place needed infrastructure in anticipation of increased business, tourism and economic activities, as it would also translate into safety and convenience for road users.

Salimbangon has filed proposed measures to make the fourth district a tourism and economic zone and has obtained endorsement from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the allocation of budget for the concreting of national roads in the district.  (FREEMAN)