A proposal to convert the 25 meter long detour road opposite the national highway and the historic Baclayon Church into a national road is now under serious consideration after the Committee on Public Works and Highways and Related Infrastructure of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) resolved to request the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to favorably act on the proposal.

Vice Governor-elect and 3rd district Senior Board Member Dionisio Balite, chair of the committee told DYRD Balita, in his committee resolution no, 23 coursed the resolution to Governor Edgar Chatto for his endorsement.

The temporary road was constructed on a church owned parcel of land by the local government unit of Baclayon after the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Bohol on October 13, 2013.

The national highway along the Baclayon Church was impassable after boulders and debris from the damaged belfry and facade which were strewn all over the highway.

An emergency detour road was carved out from a portion of the small plaza hugging the seashore which is now used as the road leading to the main highway.

The belfry and the church is now undergoing massive reconstruction and retrofitting by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Balite met with Engr, Maribel Baranggot and Assistant Engineer Cirilo Pabi of the DPWH to discuss the mechanics of the conversion.

Prior approval from Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran for the conversion of the part of the church property as a national highway is needed according to the DPWH.

A meeting between Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Balite together with regional officials of DPWH7, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestor Canda, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy and DPWH 1st district is being set. (Chito M. Visarra with reports from Rey Tutas)