CEBU, Philippines - Fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon is set to refile his bill in Congress which seeks to convert the 20-kilometer provincial road from Curva, Medellin to Poblacion, Daanbantayan in northern Cebu.
Salimbangon’s move has gotten the support of Governor Hilario Davide III.
“As much as possible kung makatabang ang national nato especially sa infrastructure labing maayo gyud. (If the national government could help us, especially in the infrastructure, so much the better),†Davide said.
Davide said Salimbangon has mentioned the matter during their meeting last Monday at the Capitol together with the mayors and other town officials in the fourth district.
He said that any assistance from the national government is welcome, knowing the financial situation of the provincial government now.
Salimbangon had 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 ongoing 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.
Salimbangon has filed House Bill 2417 which remained pending before the House Committee on Public Works and Highways until the previous Congress came to end.
The bill already has an endorsement from the Provincial Board last year as well as of the Provincial Development Council.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was reportedly allocated P145 million to improve the road as soon as it is converted into a national road.
Salimbangon has filed the measure to make the fourth district a tourism and economic zone and has obtained endorsement from the DPWH for the allocation of budget for the concreting of national roads in the district. (FREEMAN)