Davao City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr. said on Thursday that the opening of the first segment of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road relies on the availability of former president Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who will lead the cutting of the ribbon.
The first segment of coastal road, which is the 7.5-kilometer Segment A that stretches from Bago Aplaya to Times Beach in Matina, was supposedly scheduled for inauguration last month as reported by Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11).
“Ang mando ni Mayor Baste gusto na niya ma-open last month but there are things that were considered since the President now gusto niya siya mag cut sa ribbon sabay kay former president Rodrigo Duterte ug dapat naa pud daw si Mayor Baste. Kaning initial opening sa coastal road will be done hopefully this month ang gina-arrange na lang is the time and availability of these three very important persons,” Ibuyan, chair of the committee of anti-terrorism and committee on public works and highways, said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
Ibuyan clarified that it is the marching order of Mayor Baste whether he is present or not, the first segment of the coastal road must be opened.
“Although, ang instruction ni Mayor Baste naa man siya o wala, i-open (coastal) pero nihangyo daw si Presidente Marcos. Hopefully, magkaroon sila ug time nga magkasinabot sila para ma-open na initially ang coastal road. Hopefully, within this month magkabakante silang tulo. According sa DPWH nihangyo gyud daw si Presidente Marcos nga naa gyud unta si FPRRD ug si Mayor Baste sa opening,” he said.
Earlier this month, DPWH 11 announced that the first phase from Tulip Drive to Bago Aplaya is nearing completion and will be accessible to motorists this month.
Ortiz reported that the final preparations for the inauguration are currently underway.
“Makabawas gyud ni sa traffic labi na sa Bangkal area puwede naman sila mugawas sa Bago Aplaya and gawas sa Tulip Drive,” Ibuyan said.
Davao City Coastal Road spans 17.33 kilometers and is divided into four segments: Tulip Drive to ‘The Bago Aplya, Tulip Drive to Roxas Avenue, and Roxas Avenue to Sta. Ana, and Sta. Ana to Jerome, Agdao.
The construction of the Bucana Bridge, which will connect Times Beach and the Barangay Bucana area, is expected to start in October this year.
