Cordova to ensure responsible growth as 3rd bridge becomes operational

THE Municipality of Cordova, Cebu vows to strengthen its existing laws and regulations for responsible development in anticipation of the robust investments that will pour in following the opening of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).Even before the completion of the P30-billion toll bridge CCLEX, that connects Cordova to Cebu City via the South Road Properties, the town has been positioning itself as an eco-tourism gateway in the Visayas, according to Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho.With the expected influx of investments from tourism, real estate to various industries, Cho said the town commits to lay a strong ground in promoting responsible development to sustain Cordova’s economic growth in the long term.“My vision for Cordova, as reflected in the local government unit’s mission-vision, has always been for Cordova to become the eco-tourism gateway in the Visayas. This is supported by my platform of governance, which has not changed ever since I decided to become a public servant,” Cho said in a statement.She cited CCLEX and the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center, also a joint project between the Manny V. Pangilinan Group of Companies and Cordova, as among those projects that helped realize the town’s vision mission.President Rodrigo Duterte will inaugurate CCLEX on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The 8.9-kilometer bridge will soft open on April 30.CCLEX has a design speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour and a navigational clearance or height of 52 meters to allow large vessels to pass underneath the bridge. The toll road project will use an all-electronic toll collection system which will be fully implemented by June 2022.Cho said this development is a “dream come true” for Cordova, owing to the significant efforts contributed by her predecessor and father, the late Secretary Adelino Sitoy during the conceptualization of Cebu’s newest icon.Besides the expected increase in tourism investments, Cho also expects a boost in other business activities like real estate, retail and outsourcing which should give birth to more employment and livelihoods in the town.