LAPU-LAPU City Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan says he will prioritize the continuation of major infrastructure projects, improvements in the social sector, and traffic decongestion as he assumes his new post in Congress.
Speaking to members of the media on Monday, June 30, 2025, his first day in office as congressman, the former mayor said he will continue the projects initiated by his predecessor, his wife, newly-installed Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan.
Rep. Chan said one of his flagship initiatives will be a P600 million road widening project covering the stretch from Barangay Babag 1 to Babag 2. The road will be expanded by approximately eight to nine meters.
“The actual width is only about six to seven meters, so there is still about eight to nine meters that can be widened,” said Chan in Cebuano.
He acknowledged that while some establishments will be inevitably affected by the widening, there will be no need to allocate funds for land expropriation as the land is government-owned.
The structures that will be affected are primarily made of light materials. Some portions of the area are also free of existing structures.
Chan said the only cost involved will be the compensation for affected establishments, which will be shouldered by his congressional office. The project is expected to begin in July, he said.
Traffic
To alleviate traffic congestion along the circumferential road, Chan said the alignment of the Coastal Road from Barangay Pajo to Ibo is now being finalized.
He said once the contractor obtains final clearance, the project can move forward.
Necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Reclamation Authority have already been secured.
Another major infrastructure project will be the construction of the Lapu-Lapu City Expressway, said Representative Chan.
This is expected to reduce travel time to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from 35 minutes to just 12 minutes.
The City Government and stakeholders are now prioritizing the completion of the survey of affected structures to accelerate the project’s implementation.
Efforts are also underway to fast-track the completion of alternative routes.
Once finished, the diversion roads will serve key areas such as George Tampus Road, with new routes passing through Timpolok Road in Babag, as well as Kalolo and Tacan.
Social Sector
During his three-year term, Chan also aims to complete Phase 5 of the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital, along with plans to convert the old Gun-ob Barangay Hall into an outpatient facility to ease hospital congestion.
Super Health Centers (SHC) are also being planned to help further reduce the hospital’s patient load. Lapu-Lapu City has an existing SHC in Barangay Basak.
In the education sector, the City is coordinating with Department of Education Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division Superintendent Marilyn Andales to identify barangays that need additional classrooms. (DPC)