Davide, Pabling share hope for trans-axial road to materialize
Despite the fact that they are from two rival political parties, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and former governor Pablo "Pabling" Garcia share one vision for the province – they want the trans-axial highway project to materialize.
Garcia said the project, which is a 280-kilometer road that connects the northern and southern tips of Cebu, is very beneficial to Cebuanos.
He dismissed Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon's statement that it will destroy the watershed areas in the province.
"If you want to live with nature like trees all around and waters are clear, then you go to central Africa and live there like Tarzan," Garcia said in jest.
For instance, the Port of Cebu was once a mangrove area but was later developed to provide access to people.
"Pagatpat ug kakahoyan kana sa una gi-reclaim aron mahimong port," he said.
Garcia added the project can be implemented but with mitigation to prevent further damage to watershed areas.
During his stint as governor, Garcia said he has partially implemented a trans-axial project with the establishment of a 55-kilometer highway from Carcar City to Dalaguete town that is now called "vegetable highway."
Davide also said earlier that he is optimistic that the transaxial highway would still push through.
"We have not abandoned our plan to establish alternative roads, which is the trans-axial, and diversionary roads in Poblacion areas to help decongest our (main) roads," Davide said.
Starting from the town of Daanbantayan in the north, the trans-axial road is expected to traverse Cebu's mountains going to Santander town in the south.
The project cost is estimated at P46.31 billion in 2007, but this amount has increased to P93.72 billion in 2014.
The project has several proposed components that include reclamation areas, economic zones, seaports, water systems, housing and commercial centers.
Davide belongs to the Liberal Party, while Pabling is connected with One Cebu party.
Kristine B. Quintas/GAN
—