After the second world war, the only passable link between Cebu City and Toledo City was the Manipis road. I was told that at some points, it was so narrow a road that people had to communicate to ascertain only one was using it. I like to imagine that the name Manipis was a coinage of its narrow condition.
Today, it has been widened somehow that two vehicles from opposite directions cannot meet even at its narrowest section. However, notwithstanding that it provides the shortest connection between these two oldest cities in Cebu, there are parts where the precipice is so steep menacing that travelers would rather use other links.
Then, in the early 80’s, we started going to Toledo City via the Naga-Uling connection. It was to be the second avenue. Longer than the Manipis link by about ten kilometers, it was built thru the efforts of Sir EddieGul, then the provincial governor. Then, we cut the travel time much shorter because the asphalt pavement was so excellent that cruising at a higher speed was always available to the more venturesome drivers.
In the 90’s, another governor opened an ambitious third link. Gov. Lito Osmeña caused the construction of an otherwise inconceivable avenue. He practically sculptured roads out of mountain sides. If only to avoid circuitous ways, he connected lower mountains peaks with massive earth movements. By building the trans-central highway, Gov. Osmeña linked Cebu City and Toledo City via the town of Balamban. Although longer compared to the two earlier road ways, some travelers started using it because first it offered some breath taking views and besides, the concrete pavement was so wide.
These three links enhance the economic growth of western Cebu. They continue to help in the dynamics of Cebu province. But, I believe the need for a fourth link is at hand.
There are economic factors that necessitate the construction of a new connection between Cebu City and the western side of the province. In Toledo City, there is the resurgence of the old Atlas mines. I am informed that its present operations approximate the peak of its operational capacity before it was shut down primarily by labor problems. The establishment of a mall in Toledo City, its wharf that seems to get busier each year and the rise of many residential subdivisions there are evident of its being an economic work in progress.
In Balamban town, we have ship building and related operations in high gear. The once sleepy agricultural municipality now teems with people using hard hats indicative of the nature of their employment.
The fourth viable link between Cebu City and Toledo City appears to be shortest in distance. When completed, it is estimated to run just about 45 kilometers. What is good is that the work to be done is even much shorter. On the Cebu City side, it weaves its way from JY Square up to Barangays Busay and Babag, along the trans-central highway, and down to Bonbon from where a wide avenue, also concrete, was started in the time of former Pres. Joseph Estrada, all the way nearing Sudlon. That is an approximate distance of more than 20 kilometers from the city hall.
On the Toledo City side, this connection is planned to emanate from Dumlog. In fact, I was told that an inward stretch of about 3 kilometers had already been cemented such that, reckoned from the Toledo City wharf, the completed distance is some 10 kilometers. If that be the case, there are only remaining 15 kilometers of road to open and the new link is established!
When I wrote about this fourth road link earlier, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, was already tinkering with the idea of finishing it before she bows out of her third term in office. An emissary of hers relayed that information to me. I am sure, the cost of building it before 2013 will be justified by the economic requirement between the two sides of the province. How about it Guv?
* * *
Email: avenpiramide@yahoo.com.ph