WHETHER it is an ambitious 32-km interisland bridge linking the provinces of Bataan and Cavite over Manila Bay, or ramping up tourism in the South through a bridge connecting Davao City and Samal island (both supervised by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain), the Department of Public Works and Highways never fails to improve the Filipinos' mobility and logistical needs.
Whether in Luzon, Mindanao or Palawan, the DPWH is consistent with its mandate of making the lives of citizens a little better. Credit should go to DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan, who had just been confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
This time, it is Tacloban City which is the beneficiary of such an effort.
The DPWH will soon start the construction of Tacloban City Causeway Project which will provide both local and foreign travelers a faster, more affordable, and safer travel experience in the capital city of Leyte, in the Eastern Visayas Region.
Based on a report submitted by DPWH Regional Office 8, the P3.46-billion project will involve the construction of a 4-lane road embankment measuring a total of 2.56 kilometers, a bridge spanning 180 meters, with the provision of a separate bike lane, installation of concrete canals, sidewalks, and wave deflectors on both sides.
The project is expected to offer an improved travel experience that will soon cater to motorists opting for a scenic drive, as well as pedestrians who prefer walking, running, and biking.
The project will be constructed over Cancabato Bay, with alignment starting at Magsaysay Boulevard, connecting Tacloban City Hall and Kataisan point of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Barangay San Jose to offer an alternate route for motorists coming from the city proper going to the province’s main gateway.
Upon completion, the usual travel time of 45 minutes will be reduced to just 10 minutes, resulting in cheaper logistic costs, faster financial returns, and easier access to essential goods and services.
The causeway was designed to withstand disasters and high humidity while also offering protection to nearby communities against erosive tidal movements caused by weather disturbances.
Considered as one of the priority infrastructure projects in Region 8, Tacloban City Causeway Project has an allocated budget of P990 Million in the Fiscal Year 2022 for the construction of 586 meters, while the remaining portion will be covered by budget proposals for succeeding years.
With the House Speaker a native of Leyte, these budget allocations for the coming years should not be a problem.