The Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority (CPRA), chaired by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, has given the green light to six ambitious reclamation projects to be spearheaded by local government units of the province.
This decision was reached during a session of the CPRA at the Capitol on Friday, May 3. It was attended by Board Members Glenn Soco, Minuel Carmela Franco, and John Ismael Borgonia; as well as other Capitol consultants and department heads.
For Toledo City, Mayor Marjorie Perales presented to the CPRA the Toledo Waterfront Urban Reclamation and Development Project, an expansive 118,579 square-meter reclamation that is set to be developed into a vibrant urban hub.
Plans for the Toledo reclamation include a diverse array of structures such as a sports stadium, yacht club, commercial centers, a BPO Complex, and extensive hospitality and education facilities.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring town of Balamban, three distinct areas totaling over 84,457 square meters will also be reclaimed. The projects are envisioned include enhanced port facilities, a dome, civic buildings, and an evacuation center, among other developments, bolstering both the infrastructure and community resources of the progressive LGU.
Up north, Carmen Mayor Carlo Villamor said they will proceed with a significant continuation of its earlier reclamation effort, adding 5.77 hectares for public market and transport facilities.
For their part, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño said the LGU is set to reclaim 5 hectares of land in Barangay Poblacion for market development and coastal protection, incorporating a variety of public amenities therein.
Further approvals were also granted to Dumanjug Mayor Gungun Gica for the southern town’s Tangil Reclamation Project, focusing on income-generating facilities like food and commercial stalls.
Down south in Oslob, Mayor Ronald Guaren said that they will also conduct a new 10-hectare reclamation project aimed at augmenting government and commercial infrastructure of the LGU.
All these projects are contingent upon the fulfillment of specific requirements, including the procurement of Environmental Compliance Certificates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring that these developments adhere to ecological standards of reclamation.
Governor Gwen expressed optimism about the impact of these projects, stating, “We have huge projects ahead in the province in which our LGUs answer our call for a level-up LGU.”
She also highlighted how these initiatives are poised to significantly elevate the economic profile of Cebu, setting a robust example for neighboring provinces.
These developments not only aim to expand the economic landscape but also pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in Cebu, underscoring the province’s strategic importance as an economic hub in the region and the country. | JT