Siargao nautical highway project gains headway

BUTUAN City — Concerned government officials and experts from various sectors met last Tuesday to firm up the construction plan of a nautical highway project connecting the Siargao group of islands – a famous tourist destination – to mainland Mindanao. The multi-million-peso project, which includes a network of roads, bridges and world-class roll-on roll-off (RORO) port facilities, aims to develop Siargao Island into a tourist-friendly destination, a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said. Aside from its white sand beaches, Siargao Island is famous for its world-class sea waves that attract local and international surfers. According to the project plan, a 120-meter bridge will be built to connect Socorro town's Barangay Sering in Bocas Grande Island to Pagaspas Island, the report said. It said, another 30-meter bridge will be constructed to connect Pagaspas Island to the Middle Bucas Grande Island, an islet south of Siargao. From there, another 30-meter bridge will be constructed to connect the island to Barangay Consolacion. From here, a road and a RORO port to Barangay San Miguel will be built. RORO ports and roads from Barangay Jubang going to Barangay Sta. Fe, will also be constructed to complete the nautical highway project. In the east of Surigao, meanwhile, a new RORO port will be built in Barangay Jayanggabon in Claver town, together with a complimentary RORO port in Barangay Doña Helene in Socorro. Both projects are estimated to cost P350 million, according to the PIA. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) represented by Engr. Wolter C. Mantilla committed to give its full support for the development of the roads network, which formed part of the proposed nautical highway project. The PIA quoted local officials as saying that the nautical highway project will offer an efficient and short way to travel to Bucas Grande Island and Siargao Island. The route will provide businessmen an alternative way to transport their cargoes from different parts of the Philippines. For tourists and travelers, the proposed nautical highway will allow them to hop from one island to another and enjoy the scenery of the islands in the comfort of their cars, it said. Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas said the nautical highway project will improve the socio-economic condition in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands as it provides employment and investment opportunities especially in tourism industry. The proposed Siargao Nautical Highway project is a long term project of the Office of Congressman Francisco T. Matugas (1st District Surigao del Norte), the Office of Governor Sol F. Matugas of the Province of Surigao del Norte, Philippine Ports Authority, National Economic Development Administration (NEDA) and DPWH, with the endorsement of the Local Government Officials of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands. — Ben Serrano/Karlitos Brian Decena/LBG, GMA News