Proposal for Cebu-Bohol friendship bridge revived

CEBU, Philippines - The representative of the second district of Bohol, Erico Aristotle Aumentado, is pushing for the realization of his father’s dream to connect the provinces of Bohol and Cebu by a bridge.

Antonieto Pernia, a member of the economic development advisory board in the office of Aumentado, said they are now facilitating the development plan, as well as the negotiation with investors.

Pernia said that at least two Australian investors are interested in building the “Bohol-Cebu Multi-Access Friendship Bridge.” The proposed project was a brainchild of the late Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado.

 “Duna na’y negotiation sa duha ka foreign investors, maghimo sila og feasibility study para makita ang economic prospect para sa Cebu ug Bohol. Interesado sila kaayo,” Pernia said.

The proposed bridge will connect the two provinces from the town of Getafe in Bohol and Cordova in Cebu. The distance between Getafe and Cordova is only 17.5 kilometers. Except for the Olango and Hilotongan Channels, the two provinces are just separated by islands, shoals, and shallow seawaters.

Pernia gave an update of the proposed project after Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said he had not heard of it after the elder Aumentado died on December 25, 2012.

Before his death, the former governor was able to ask the Department of Public Works and Highways to endorse his proposal for technical assistance to the Korean International Cooperation Agency.

The technical assistance sought is for a grant for the conduct of feasibility study and detailed engineering design.

KOICA provides Official Development Assistance from its government funds kept at the Korea Export-Import Bank called the Economic Development Cooperation Fund.

In 2009, the Provincial Development Council of Bohol and the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas endorsed the project for funding. — (FREEMAN)