(JOE LOUIS GAJUTOS/MDRRMO)
With causeway and convention center projects
TACLOBAN CITY — The city is set to undergo a dramatic transformation into a “Singapore-like” urban landscape, anchored by the ongoing construction of the Tacloban causeway and the planned International Convention Center (ICC).
These major infrastructure projects are part of a broader vision to turn Tacloban into a regional hub for tourism, business, and investment.
The national government has already earmarked P2.8 billion for the 2.56-kilometer causeway, which will connect downtown Tacloban, starting at Magsaysay Boulevard near City Hall, to the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport, traversing the picturesque Cancabato Bay.
The DZR Airport itself is now under major modernization plan to make it as airport of international standards.
According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Edgar Tabacon, the project is not just about building a faster route—it’s about transforming the city into a world-class destination.
“Our vision goes beyond infrastructure,” said Tabacon during a media interview.
“We aim to create a visually appealing structure that will draw tourists and investments to the city. The causeway and the nearby International Convention Center will help create a Singapore-like landscape that elevates Tacloban’s profile,” he added.
Currently, the causeway project is 9.66% complete, with civil works having begun in February last year.
The total cost is estimated at P4.79 billion, with P2.8 billion already allocated by the national government.
The remaining P1.99 billion is expected to be secured in 2025 and 2026, with support from Speaker Martin Romualdez and the House of Representatives.
Once completed, the causeway will reduce travel time between the city center and the airport from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes, featuring a four-lane road embankment, a central bridge, bike lanes, sidewalks, and wave deflectors for coastal protection.
However, what sets the project apart is its potential to be a key driver of tourism.
In coordination with the Department of Tourism, the DPWH is working on enhancing the causeway’s aesthetics to create a destination in its own right.
Plans include designated spaces for restaurants along both sides of Magsaysay Boulevard and near the airport, contributing to a vibrant, waterfront atmosphere.
“We’re committed to creating a Singapore-like landscape,” Tabacon said, highlighting that the planned International Convention Center, to be built nearby at the site of the former Leyte Park Resort and Hotel, will further complement the city’s development.
The ICC is envisioned to be a world-class venue for international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, cementing Tacloban’s status as a key player in the region.
As Tacloban moves forward with these transformative projects, the city is positioning itself as a prime destination for business and tourism, with the goal of creating a modern, resilient, and economically vibrant urban environment.
JOEY A. GABIETA
