Benhur road bill gets Capitol backing

CEBU, Philippines - The proposed conversion of a provincial road from Curva, Medellin to Malingin, Daan-bantayan in northern Cebu into a national road received the support of the provincial government.

Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon has pushed for the conversion of the road through a bill he filed in Congress last August 11, 2010. He sponsored House Bill 2417, which not only seeks to convert the road but also seeks to appropriate funds for the conversion. The bill is now pending before the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and subject for submission of requirements for road conversion.

Salimbangon said he has funds for the maintenance of the road but it can only be spent if the road is considered a national road. Likewise, converting the road into a national road would generate financial assistance from the national government in concreting and cementing.

Funds would also be allocated annually to ensure maintenance, upkeep and serviceability of the road.

Yesterday, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia confirmed she and Salimbangon have been talking about the move for quite sometime.

Last Monday, the Provincial Board passed a resolution supporting the passage of HB 2417. Board members from the fourth district, Joven Mondigo Jr., Sun Shimura and Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. sponsored the said resolution.

“Any measure that will add to and enhance the development of the localities in the district and will redound to the benefit of the constituents is worthy of approval and endorsement,” Mondigo said.

The said road leads to the ongoing construction of a roll-on/roll-off port in Maya, Daanbantayan and will be a component of the national nautical highway.

The area is also the planned site for the establishment of an economic zone and for an alternate airport to the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Mondigo said concreting would put in place needed infrastructure in anticipation of increased business, tourism and economic activities, as it would also translate into safety and convenience of road users.

Salimbangon has filed proposed measures to make the fourth district a tourism and economic zone and has obtained endorsement from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allocation of budget for the concreting of national roads in the district. – (FREEMAN)