Zubiri pushes for Cebu-Bohol bridge

CEBU, Philippines - Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri the other day said he would propose to the next president to prioritize the construction of the bridge linking the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

Speaking during the meeting of the Cebu municipal mayors, Zubiri said he believes that the Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge is important to the tourism and business development of Bohol and Cebu.

According to Zubiri, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy convinced him about the importance of the bridge, explaining that he hopes the new president will act for its realization.

Zubiri said the bridge will not only help Bohol and Cebu but the whole country in general.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of South Korea pledged a $3 million-grant for feasibility study of the bridge.

Aumentado announced the funding during a recent meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) in Tagbilaran City.

He said endorsements from various agencies are required for the money to be released.

“Funding for the actual project implementation is not a problem. We can have it through BOT (build-operate-transfer) or a loan. But I prefer it done through a BOT,” Aumentado said.

Through the bridge, Aumentado said it will be easier to bring water from Bohol to Cebu compared to earlier proposals to use submarine pipes.

Bohol, in turn, can also take advantage of the bridge by tapping Cebu’s excess power, he said.

The operation of the Kepco and Global Power plants in 2011 is expected to generate an additional 400 megawatts for Cebu. — Jose P. Sollano/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)