THE local government unit of Talisay City is planning to construct two artificial islands near the city’s coastline to attract and accommodate more potential investors, said the city’s zoning officer.
Dandi Capistrano, the City of Talisay zoning officer, told SunStar Cebu in an interview on June 21, 2023, that the city needs more land for future development since most of its territory is already urbanized while its upland areas are protected.
“Daghan mosulod og business sa Talisay apan wala na mi land resources ika offer, labi na hectares ang land requirements sa mga investors,” Capistrano said.
(Many would like to enter into business in Talisay City, but we do not have enough land resources to offer, since investors would require from us hectares of lands).
SunStar Cebu has reached out to Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, Jr., but the mayor is yet to comment on the planned project.
Capistrano explained that the two man-made islands will soon host businesses, industries and condominiums, which are expected to boost the economy and create additional jobs for the people of Talisay City.
A bridge will be constructed to connect the artificial islands to the mainland, he added.
The City Government plans the project to be a public-private partnership (PPP) and it is accepting proposals for willing investors.
According to the data of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Talisay City has a total land area of 7,515.61 hectares, of which 4,880 are protected forest lands.
Talisay is a component city in the province of Cebu with 22 barangays.