Salimbangon pushes airport, LRT projects in north Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon is pushing for at least two mega projects in his district under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Salimbangon wants an airport in Medellin and a Light Rail Transit from Carmen to Daanbantayan. Salimbangon said he already discussed the LRT project with the president and the latter was reportedly enthusiastic about it.

"I have talked to President Duterte already about the LRT project from Carmen to Daanbantayan. Bale phase two na ni nga LRT project and the president is very enthusiastic about it," he said.

According to Salimbangon, Duterte is aware of the traffic problem in Cebu and that mass transport system like LRT will help solve the problem.

Salimbangon said that his proposal will complement the proposed LRT project from Carcar City to Danao City.

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino earlier said that the project study for the LRT project in Cebu, which is conducted by Singaporean experts, will be completed by October or November this year.

Dino said that a mass transport system is badly needed for Cebu due to traffic. He said a mass transport system would make travel faster and will spur business and economic development in the countryside.

Salimbangon said his proposal to build an airport in Barangay Caputatan, Medellin will reduce travel time to northern Cebu from four hours to 15 minutes.

He believes that a 30-hectare airport will further boost tourism industry and economy of Medellin and the entire province. Salimbangon said that the proposed Medellin airport is one of the components of his development master plan for the fourth district.  (FREEMAN)