If elected, Gibo to prioritize bridge between Cebu, Bohol

CEBU, Philippines - Administration presidential aspirant Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro said the construction of the bridge linking Cebu and Bohol provinces will be given immediate attention if he is elected into office.

Teodoro who joined the first day of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo southern heritage trail said that the development of Cebu and Bohol will continue if they push through with the plan to link two provinces by constructing the bridge.

At present, visitors from Cebu who also want to visit Bohol may ride through fast craft and other vessels. Those coming from Manila may avail of direct flights bound for Tagbilaran City.

The anchors of the bridge will be Getafe and Cordova towns in Bohol and Cebu respectively. Passing through shallow waters between the two provinces, the bridge is estimated to be 18 kilometers long —a “baby” compared to the bridge linking Incheon Airport and Incheon City in South Korea, spanning some 45 kilometers, now undergoing construction.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said he envisions the bridge to improve vehicular and passenger traffic between the two provinces. It can also carry cables to Bohol so it can get more electric power.

The additional power can meet the requirements for the establishment of a shipyard in Bohol while the fiber optics will link Bohol to the information and communications technology highway.

To recall, the Regional Development Council-7 asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to endorse to the Korean government their request for the funding of a feasibility study on the proposed multi-access friendship bridge that will link the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

During the RDC-7 full council meeting last year, Aumentado asked the endorsement and support from the RDC for the funding assistance of the project.

“I am happy to report to the RDC that one of our mega projects, the Bohol-Cebu multi-access friendship bridge now has the support of EDCF,” Aumentado told members of the RDC, which is headed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Aumentado said the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of Korea has already agreed to dole out $3 million for the needed feasibility study.

Aumentado said the bridge will hasten commerce and sharing of technology and exchange of power and water between Bohol and Cebu, if it will be implemented.

The bridge, which was conceptualized in 2006, is seen to cost at least P20 billion. 

He also said that the completion of the airport in Panglao Island in Bohol will also add to the development of the two provinces. Teodoro also cited the need to construct a third bridge linking Mandaue City and Mactan Island. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)