THREE years and counting: A decision to use solid hardwood for the flooring of a proposed bridge connecting Pangan-an islet and Barangay Sabang on Olango Island has left the vital project in limbo and delaying crucial access.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said the project faces requirements, including structural compliance, policy-based handling of affected mangroves, and the use of DENR-approved materials.
He said the boardwalk’s construction has been put on hold after the Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR) required the bridge flooring to be made of solid hardwood.
He pointed out that using solid hardwood would cost around P46 million, while opting for cement would bring the cost down to only P6 million.
“The 2.6-kilometer boardwalk’s width was cut from three meters to 1.5 meters, but the solid hardwood flooring alone is still estimated to cost P46 million,” said Chan in Cebuano.
Contradiction
Chan also questioned where they could source the required hardwood, pointing out the contradiction in DENR’s stance of protecting trees while requiring them to cut down wood for the project.
The mayor told reporters on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, that the DENR ordered the removal of a portion of the view deck, which local officials complied with, and they are now waiting for results from the agency.
While some mangroves would be affected in the area, Chan said that previous DENR administrations allowed alternatives, such as earthballing, which made it easier to implement the project.
However, he pointed out that the process is no longer allowed, which further strains and complicates efforts to push the project forward.
Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said around P300 million has been allocated for the entire project.
Cindi said that, together with her husband, they will meet with the new DENR secretary in July to ensure the government’s project proceeds smoothly while protecting the environment.
Other projects awaiting DENR clearance include the coastal road and an oval in Barangay Looc.
The Pangan-an and Sabang Bridge, also known as the Pangan-an-Sabang boardwalk or Olango-Pangan-an Bridge, is a major infrastructure project in Lapu-Lapu City.
It is designed to connect Barangay Pangan-an, an islet-barangay, to Barangay Sabang on the main Olango Island, both of which are part of the Olango Island Group under Lapu-Lapu City administration.
It aims to provide safer and more reliable access for residents, particularly benefiting students and local commuters who previously faced difficulties due to limited transportation options during low tides.
Access will be restricted to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists to minimize environmental impact on the nearby Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. / DPC