December 26, 2023
Central Visayas is witnessing a significant boost in its infrastructure development, with over PHP130 billion invested in 2023, focusing on enhancing airport, seaport, and connectivity projects. This initiative, as reported in the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Visayas 3rd quarter report, is poised to elevate economic activities and job opportunities for its over 8 million residents.
The RDC-7’s latest quarterly report highlights the Philippine government’s strategic emphasis on transportation connectivity, particularly in airport development programs. This includes the NEDA Board-approved PHP4.5-billion expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. In Negros Oriental, the excitement centers on the New Dumaguete Airport in Bacong town, funded by a PHP17.05-billion grant from the Philippine government and Official Development Assistance from NEDA. The funds have facilitated site acquisition by Bacong municipality, in agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Siquijor’s local economy is set to benefit from the Cang-alwang Airport Development, with its PHP550-million project cost split between civil works (PHP450 million by the Department of Public Works and Highways) and site acquisition (PHP100 million by the provincial government of Siquijor).
Cebu’s infrastructure development takes a significant leap under Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s leadership, focusing on substantial airport development projects such as the Sta. Fe town airstrip on Bantayan Island and the Camotes Island Airport. Funding from the Department of Budget and Management, totaling PHP265 million for the Camotes Island airport and PHP154 million for the Bantayan airport runway expansion, is set to enhance air travel efficiency. The operational Camotes airport, with a 1.8-kilometer airstrip, aims to accommodate small private planes and reduce travel time significantly.
Moreover, the authority over the Bantayan Island airport has transitioned from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) since 2018.
Highlighting the region’s commitment to enhancing inter-connectivity, RDC-7 co-chair Kenneth Cobonpue outlined Cebu’s key infrastructure projects. This includes the PHP16.3-billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, a pioneering project in the country, set to benefit the residents of Cebu City. The project’s first phase involves building passenger terminals and dedicated lanes along major city thoroughfares.
Cebu BRT’s progress was discussed at the Cebu City Mobility Summit 2022, with partial operations targeted for 2023 and full operation by the second quarter of 2025. To alleviate traffic in Metro Cebu, the DPWH is overseeing the near 60-kilometer Metro Cebu Expressway project, with a total indicative cost of PHP94.07 billion. This project, already in its advanced phases, is set to enhance urban transport and stimulate economic activity along key corridors.
In addition, the PHP9.9 billion New Cebu International Container Port project is set to commence soon, though approvals for cost adjustments and project extensions are pending.
Bohol is not left behind, with the NEDA-ICC approved construction of the Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge, valued at PHP6.9 billion, currently undergoing an additional feasibility study funded by a grant from the Chinese government.
These extensive infrastructure projects mark a transformative era for Central Visayas, setting the stage for heightened economic growth and regional connectivity.
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