Friday, July 22, 2011
“We should always think about regional growth,” he said at the sidelines of the Sandugo Trade Expo press conference in Tagbilaran City.BOHOL Gov. Edgar Chatto supports the proposal to construct a “super bridge” that would link Cebu and Bohol as this would pave the way for more economic growth in the region.
Although the project is still under discussion, Chatto stressed the proposed Bohol-Cebu Multi-Access Friendship Bridge would complement both provinces as this would improve transportation, tourism and productivity in both areas.
The proposed friendship bridge is a brainchild project of former Bohol governor and now Rep. Erico Aumentado (Bohol, second district). The feasibility study on the proposal was awarded to the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), a Korean firm, for $3 million.
As proposed, the 90-kilometer bridge will link Cebu and Bohol through the towns of Cordova (Cebu) and Getafe (Bohol) is expected to cost at least P20 billion.
Chatto said that if realized, the bridge will facilitate a more seamless flow of goods and support infrastructure such as power, telecommunication and other services that will benefit both provinces.
Chatto added that although the construction of the bridge might impact on the shipping industry, this would also open the opportunity for shipping companies to rethink strategies and consider other islands to service.
Aside from the support he will extend to the proposed friendship bridge, Chatto also said he will continue to sustain and develop tourism packages to make Bohol the eco-cultural tourism capital in the Philippines.
“The Bohol model of development is not just a one-shot deal. It is a well-planned strategy since the past administrations. We are continuously assessing our strengths and identifying opportunities so we could position our province well in the nation,” Chatto said.
He referred to his current HEAT (Health and sanitation, Education and technology, Agriculture and food security, Tourism and livelihood) Bohol development agenda.
The Province of Bohol has partnered with foreign institutions and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 in helping local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) create linkages in the tourism sector.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on July 23, 2011.
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