Minglanilla reclamation project nears fruition

CEBU, Philippines – The 100-hectare reclamation project in Minglanilla town is already few steps closer to fruition.

The project is now subject for further action of the Provincial Board after the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority endorsed it to the body yesterday. If favored, the project will then be endorsed to the Philippine Reclamation Authority for approval.

Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña is hoping that the endorsement and other requirements would be complied with the soonest time possible so the project could commence next year.

He added that the town could expect three-fold increase in its income once the project is completed and becomes operational.

The project's whole construction could take five years while the reclamation of the property could be done in three years.

Ming-Mori Development Corp., a subsidiary of Cebu Landmasters, signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Minglanilla in 2013 for the reclamation of the 100-hectare coastal roads in barangays Tulay and Calajo-an in the town.

Peña said the multi-billion-peso Minglanilla-Ming-Mori Reclamation and Industrial Park Development will be shouldered by the private developer. He, however, did not disclose the specific amount of the investment.

The Minglanilla Industrial Park is expected to address the current shortage of ecozones in the province. It is intended to house at least 50 local and foreign direct investors engaged in light and semiconductor industries.

It will also have commercial, institutional and utilities, residential/mixed-use zones while road networks will be utilized for sidewalks and bike lanes.

Peña said the project would generate employment opportunities in the local job market once the project is fully developed.

Some 49 percent of the saleable land will be owned by  Ming-Mori while the other 51 percent of the reclaimed land will be shared by PRA, Minglanilla, and Cebu Province.

Ming-Mori earlier described the project as strategically located with the emergence of the connecting road to South Road Properties that could provide companies with access and proximity to the metropolitan area.

The local government is eyeing to open the road right of way for the old Philippine National Railway to address traffic congestion with the establishment of the project. (FREEMAN)