The Davao del Norte government will hold a dialogue with the family in Island Garden City of Samal who lodged opposition to the construction of the P23.04 billion worth of Davao-Samal Bridge.
Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib said in an interview after the Regional Peace and Order Council 11 on Wednesday afternoon that he is set to talk with the landowner within this quarter to address the issues and concern for the construction of the multi-billion bridge.
Jubahib said based on the information he gathered, this owner claimed that his business will be affected if the bridge construction will push through. However, based on his verification, there was no business establishment within the property.
“Nakita nato na wala man gyuy business establishment nga gitukod dinha (I verified that there were no business establishments within the property),” he said.
The governor said he will convince the owner to let the project commence since this will benefit the whole island in terms of development and opportunities once the bridge will be completed.
“I-impose gyud nato ang construction sa Davao-Samal Bridge kay mao ni ang dako nga project nga makahatag og dako nga development sa Samal Island (We should impose the construction of the Davao -Samal Bridge since this is a project that could give huge development in Samal Island),” he said.
Jubahib said there should not be only one family to benefit the development of IGACoS since the island has been deprived of this ever since.
“Wala nato gitan-aw ang usa lang ka tao kundi ang atong gitan-aw is ang public welfare (We did not just see the benefit of a certain person but the public’s welfare),” he said.
He explained that if the bridge will be completed it will become easy for the tourists to visit the island which could generate more revenues for the resort owners and other establishments.
“Mas daghan pud ang business activities nga mahitabo sa Samal Island (This would also create more business activities in Samal Island),” he said.
Earlier, Mayor Sara Duterte bared that the said family owner is set to file a Writ of Kalikasan to the Suprement Court against the project which could cause delay on the commencement of the project this year.
