CEBU, Philippines - Cebu fifth district Rep. Joseph “Ace†Durano is pushing for the conversion of the main arterial roads in Camotes group of islands in the Province of Cebu into national roads.
Durano has filed House Bill No. 1262 which seeks to convert the main provincial road of the municipalities of San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Pilar into national roads.
He said that for the longest time, the existing main roads connecting the three municipalities and the circumferential road of the island municipality of Pilar have been considered provincial roads.
“As such maintenance and improvements of these roads are done by the provincial government of Cebu. These four towns have never ever had roads maintained by the national government,†Durano said.
He said that the local government units of said municipalities are the ones requesting that these roads be turned over to the national government.
“It is high time that the national government takes control in the maintenance and improvement of the main roads of said municipalities,†Durano further said.
Once approved, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall be responsible in the maintenance and improvement of all main arterial road in the island which is a tourist destination.
Funding for the improvement, repair and maintenance of the said roads shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The Malacañang is also set to approve the bill authored by Durano’s brother and now Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Red†Durano VI reclassifying Camotes group of islands from mangrove and forest reserve to alienable and disposable land. — (FREEMAN)