Tourist hub to rise on Olango Island

CEBU, Philippines — An international tourist hub will soon rise in a seven-hectare lot at Sitios Kalipayan and Malingin in Olango Island.

This new tourism hub is expected to spur more jobs for local residents and to bring in more tourists to the city.

Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, who negotiated with the developer for a smooth transfer of those who will be affected by the project, has assured the 400 families of financial assistance and a relocation area.

Edmund Dejaresco, who is in-charge of the relocation, said each household will be given a 30-square-meter lot in their relocation site; will receive an average of P15,000 disturbance fee; will be assisted in demolishing their houses; will be provided with moving-out transportation, and will be assisted by carpenters in rebuilding their new home at the relocation site.

A total of 43 beneficiaries were initially given lot assignments in an awarding ceremony last Saturday. Another batch of beneficiaries will be given lot assignments some other time.

In a statement released by the Lapu-Lapu City Information Office, Dejaresco said that the relocation site will have a common drainage system, comfort rooms, bathrooms and hand-pumped water.

The relocation site will be located in the town of Cordova and Barangay Sudtungan in Lapu-Lapu City.

Dejaresco added that they are still negotiating for a third site to accommodate all the 400 affected families.

He expects though that some may opt for compensation for their return to their hometown, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. — GAN (FREEMAN)