ADJACENT local government units have to prepare for the spur of economic activities as the completion of the New Bohol Airport nears.
Everything should be in place before the New Bohol Airport starts operation, prompting the city government of Tagbilaran to request for inclusion in the Panglao Island Executive Committee (PIEC).
The city government’s development consultant, Rosalinda Paredes, presented a proposal to expand the PIEC to include the city in a meeting presided by Gov. Edgar Chatto yesterday at the People’s Mansion.
In the proposal, the city government offers collaboration in undertaking measures that would ensure inclusive and resilient economic growth under the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth and Equity (SURGE) goal.
The SURGE goal is espoused by the partnership of the city government with USAID.
The collaboration will be between the city government and the two municipalities in Panglao island – Panglao and Dauis.
Paredes noted that the LGUs have common interest and concerns in the road and transport connections, traffic management, investor promotion and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
City Administrator Leonides Borja, representing the city government, agreed with Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero and Dauis Mayor Miriam Sumaylo to meet with the Sangguniang Bayans (SBs) of the two municipalities of Panglao Island for the amendment of the ordinace creating the PIEC.
The PIEC was established through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for common concerns on the environment and tourism while implementation of the New Bohol Airport Project is ongoing.
On the other hand, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran City has calendared in the next regular session, the passage of a resolution authorizing City Mayor Baba Yap to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government for the implementation of steps to prepare for the increased influx of tourist upon the completion of the New Bohol Airport.
It is considered that the inevitable increased influx of tourists will require the preparedness of the city for the spill over of development being adjacent to Panglao island.
Paredes noted in her presentation during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last week that it is inevitable that the city and the towns which have tourist spots will have to host a volume of tourists coming to the province through the New Bohol Airport in Panglao.
Paredes also suggested that it is better to finalize what to do with the present airport in the city and to establish a tourist hub.
Meanwhile, Sumaylo assured that the concern on water supply in Dauis will be addressed within the year in preparation for the influx of investment in the light of the completion of the New Bohol Airport.
Aside from addressing the requirement of the tourism boom, it will also address the concerns of some barangays that are presently having problems with water supply, according to Sumaylo.
She said the waterworks project will be prioritized this year and will be allocated funds.
The mayor said they need a big water reservoir to be able to improve the distribution of water to the households in barangays Tinago and Biking that continue to suffer from the inefficient supply of water.(with reports from Leah Marchill Sumampong, AV)