A PROPOSED circumferential road in Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu could finally see the light of day after the Cebu Provincial Government was able to secure the commitment of landowners there to donate a part of their properties for the project.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia told reporters on Friday, May 20, 2022, that the circumferential road project they are planning to construct in Malapascua Island could provide convenience to locals and even tourists especially that the island is known for its dive spots.

Garcia said that after they were able to secure the commitment from concerned landowners living in the island, they can finally start construction of the circumferential road within this year.

“It took quite some time because we needed to get the road right of way, but finally we will be starting on the Malapascua Island Circumferential road,” Garcia added.

Garcia said a circumferential road was needed in the island due to the difficulty of some locals and tourists of traveling to areas because of the current condition of roads there.

Garcia said she personally experienced passing those rough roads while riding a habal-habal or motorcycle taxi for hire at the island.

Limuel Daño, chief of Barangay Logon, Malapascua Island, said at least 20 homeowners have already signed the documents in order for the project to proceed.

The cost of the project, however, has yet to be determined.

In a separate interview, Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura hopes that the project will go ahead this year since this will further develop tourism in Malapascua.

“We can go around the whole island by foot without any effort and hassle. The governor’s plan is really for tourism,” Shimura added.

During the time of former governor and incumbent Vice Governor Hilario Davide III there was already a plan to cement a five-kilometer road in Barangay Logon on Malapascua island but it did not materialize.