The disclosure was made after Calatrava paid a courtesy call on the mayor at the latter’s office on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022.
Chan said the city government has projects lined up for next year that need the approval of the national government including the P23.8 billion Lapu-Lapu Expressway, the 400-meter Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project (MNRDP), Lapu-Lapu Expressway, the 25-hectare socialized housing project in Barangay Canjulao, and the 400-hectare seaweed farm that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plans to put up in Olango Island, among others.
The mayor said the MNRDP needs the blessing from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to fast-track its implementation, adding that the City already complied with the necessary requirements.
“It is better that the national government, the President himself, will intervene to fast-track this project. The City really needs this project as it can help solve our traffic woes,” Chan said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
Chan said he also needs the help from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the fast implementation of the planned 25-hectare socialized housing project in the city.
He also noted that the planned 400-hectare seaweed farm in Olango Island, particularly at the Milantaw and Danajon reefs, would generate livelihood for the people.
Through this, Chan said producers will no longer find it difficult to sell their products. It will also help them gain more income, he added.
Though the proposed seaweed farm is already part of the city’s 2023 Annual Budget with a budget allocation of about P15 million, the mayor stressed that they need the help of the national government to sustain the project.
Chan said Calatrava had assured him that he will help in the implementation of the city’s projects.
“We heard that he (Calatrava) wants to help in supporting our projects. And I do believe, that as a fellow Oponganon and he is the first Cabinet member from our city, I’m pretty sure that the good secretary will leave a good legacy to his fellow Oponganons,” Chan said.
Chan said Calatrava was a resident of Barangay Pajo, the mayor’s home barangay.
Calatrava’s meeting with Chan was just one of the new Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas chief’s first duties following his appointment.
Calatrava is set to meet with other leaders in the Visayas as part of his “listening tour.”
Calatrava, a businessman, was appointed as the new