In Borongan City
BORONGAN CITY-The construction of a diversion coastal road here is seen to bring opportunities for the capital city of Eastern Samar province, according to its city mayor.
This coastal diversion road, which broke ground on Wednesday,July 10,links Sabang North and Sabang South, providing an additional and alternative access route for travelers heading to the northern and eastern parts of Eastern Samar via Borongan City.
According to Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, this will ease traffic flow along the national road within Borongan’s downtown area.
The coastal diversion road project spans a total length of 0.825 kilometers, featuring a 150-meter linear bridge that connects the existing road at Baybay Boulevard to the national highway at Sabang North.
Since the road project traverses the more than 2-kilometer stretch of Baybay Boulevard, a major tourist destination, it is expected to attract more visitors, thereby boosting economic activity, Agda said.
“This is really a milestone, not only providing accessibility but also contributing to the overall development of our city, especially this 2.1-kilometer stretch of Baybay Boulevard. It will spur economic and sports tourism development,” he said.
Baybay Boulevard is home to Baybay Beach, the venue for the annual national surfing championship sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA). The boulevard also hosts various sports facilities, including a Skateboard Park, basketball, and tennis courts.
The area is a popular spot for Borongan residents, featuring several parks, food stalls, numerous restrooms, restaurants, and accommodation facilities.
The construction of the coastal diversion road was made possible through the assistance of House Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan.
The project has a total cost of P219 million, with an initial funding release of P163.9 million for 2024.
Libanan assures that the project will be completed by 2025, with additional funding appropriated by the national government for the remaining unfunded portions.
He mentioned that he has already submitted a proposal to Congress for the additional budget, which will be deliberated by members of the Lower House and included in the national budget approval.
Aside from bridge and road construction, the project also includes slope protection and drainage construction.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
