Cebu Provincial Government to start Phase 1 of Malapascua circumferential road

THE Cebu Provincial Government is set to construct the first phase of the five-kilometer circumferential road in Malapascua Island of Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has said that she already instructed the Provincial Engineering Office to begin the infrastructure project even though not all of the residents that will be affected by the project have agreed to it. The governor made it clear that the first phase is on the eastern side of the island as the owners of the houses standing on lots that will be part of the circumferential road have signed the documents pertaining to the road right of way.“So we will now start Phase 1. This red (western side), Phase 2, no one has signed yet so we cannot start it yet unless they sign,” Garcia said in a mix of Cebuano and English.Based on the data of the Provincial Engineering Office, 16 lot owners have signed and agreed to the construction of the circumferential road.The circumferential road was planned way back in 2004 as part of the development plan for the island as a way to attract more tourists and make the life of the residents easier.Malapascua Island is a jump-off point for marine life and diving enthusiasts. Governor Garcia has hoped that the owners of the lots on Phase 2 of the project will agree to sell their lands. “I hope they will realize that a good road, a good circumferential road, will give accessibility for further promoting the place, for medical emergencies, for tourism. It will be a big help,” she said.