by ANTONIO M. AJERO
and GREGORIO G. DELIGERO
AN OVERWHELMING majority of Dabawenyos and Samalenos favor the construction of a bridge spanning the short distance between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
In fact, an unpublished opinion survey conducted by this paper last October indicated that eight of every 10 persons interviewed said “yes” to the construction of a bridge over the narrow Pakiputan Strait from barangay Sasa in Davao City and the poblacion area of the former municipality of Babak in IGaCoS.
Sasa is only 900 meters away from Barangay Caliclic, the port on the IGaCoS side of the Bangayan family-owned roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferry company, Mae Wess, currently servicing the route. The distance is so short that it takes less than 15 minutes for the ferry boat to negotiate the route one way.
A total of 150 persons were asked to answer the question “Do you favor the building of a bridge between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal? If yes, why? If no, why not?” The question was asked through Short Message Service (SMS) or text message in the cellular phone.
Of the 138 persons who responded to the SMS opinion survey, 112 persons, or 81.1 percent, said “yes” to the construction of the bridge, while the remaining 26 respondents, or 19 percent, opposed the idea.
The opinions were sent in by a cross-section of Dabawenyos and Samalenos– business leaders, professionals, incumbent and former government appointive and elective officials, corporate executives and media persons. The “texters” included seven former presidents of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., two former congressmen, 6 lawyers, two former members of the Cabinet, 12 businessmen, half a dozen leaders of the Rotary International, four doctors, four NGO leaders, 10 professionals in various fields, six tour agency operators, three inventors, and 14 media practitioners, among others.
Advantages
The pros cited at least 10 advantages of building a Davao-IGaCoS bridge.
They said the bridge will 1) promote tourism; 2) boost economic activities in Davao, IGaCoS and surrounding areas; 3) hasten the development of IGaCoS into a world-class tourist and investment destination; 4) promote development linkages between the two areas; 5) lower the cost of transport of people, goods and materials for business like construction materials; 6) increase accessibility of the resorts that are rising in IGaCoS; 7) improve mobility of the people in the island; 8) hasten development and economic growth of the island city; 9) save time, money and other resources; and 10) provide more comfort and convenience to the people of IGaCoS and those transacting business with them and patronizing their tourist destinations.
Disadvantages
Interestingly, the oppositors, although they’re only a fourth of the survey respondents, cited just as many disadvantages of building the bridge now.
They said the existence of bridge as proposed will 1) endanger the marine and coastal ecosystem of the island; 2) attract informal settlers leading to social problems; 3) increase land speculation; 4) destroy the island’s pristine landscape; 5) it’s a very expensive project whose ROI (return of investment) will take a long time to come; 6) compromise the “exclusivity” of Samal; 7) erase the sense of adventure in going to the island; 8) no adequate socio-economic safety nets; 9) destroy local culture, traditions and norms of Samalenos; and 10) sacrifice funds and resources that could otherwise to many more important and urgent projects.
IGaCoS administrator Cleto B. Gales Jr. said that recent estimates placed the cost of the bridge as between P4 billion and P6 billion.
“Everybody wants the bridge, but nobody is willing enough to finance its construction,” former Mayor Rogelio Antalan said.
Antalan he is all for the construction of the bridge with all its advantages and disadvantages, adding that there not substantial opposition to the idea.
He said even the Bangayan family, owners of the ferry boat system, told him they are not opposed to the bridge.
BOI regional head Gil Dureza suggested that n international wharf be placed in the other side of the island to make the bridge very viable.
NGO leader Atillo said that he JICA Davao regional masterplan also recommends a bridge connecting Samal and Lupon, Davao Oriental.,
Interestingly, too, the former presidents of the DCCCII are not one in indorsing the project.
Here is a sampling of their answers to the opinion poll:
YES, to enhance business and tourism. Look at Mactan, Macau and other places. ATTY. DOMINGO DUERME, former DCCCII president and chairman of the board
YES! YES! YES! This will liberate the people of Samal from a lot of hardships. Sana this happens sooner than later. – PETE DURANO. former president of DCCCII
NO. I think it will congest the bridge’s end and concentrate development there. Whereas, more ferry landings will spread that development. Additionally, jetties (landing piers) are cheaper to build and boats are cheaper than cars. Thus more people can benefit. As an archipelagic nation, we also need to develop s small boat and marine industry. SIMEON P. MARFORI 11, former DCCCII president
YES, a bridge will facilitate and lower the cost of trade and commerce between Davao and Samal and thus boost development, income for government, and jobs and livelihood for people. It will also enhance the attractiveness of Davao as a tourism destination. MANUEL “BOBBY” ORIG, former DCCCII president
NO. There are more important projects that will have greater impact to business and employment. The cost that does not justify the benefit. JOHN GAISANO JR., former DCCCII president and chairman of the board
YES. I’m in favor 101 percent. Atty. BIENVENIDO CARIAGA, former DCCCII president and chairman of the board
YES. The bridge would create more economic activities to Samal Island and also Davao. This will hasten the progress and development of Samal. But it’s important to note that timing is critical. We need to consider whether Samal and its Local Government Unit are prepared to deal with massive daytime migration especially in terms of environment care and protection. JOJI ILAGAN-BIAN, former DCCCII president
Following are some of the other answers:
YES of course, but whose debt should it be? Atty. RAMON ED BATACAN, former Eastern Mindanao governor, IBP
NO. We must the island’s environment. Easier access of cars and people will hurt/damage the the already delicate environment of Samal. Besides, ferrying cars and people is more charming and will help manage the negative effects of progress. CARLO LORENZANA
YES. For economic (promote tourism and boost business activity for Davao and Samal) and convenient reasons. ZENAIDA LUCERO
YES. For faster and cheaper means of travel..for greater economic synergy for both Davao and Samal.. for more tourists, more trade and commerce, etc. DR. PILAR C. BRAGA, city councilor
No. Because it would be disadvantageous to the native Samalnons. There is no adequate socio- economic safety nets in place right now. Having a bridge would remove the last barrier protecting the poor people from the land speculators who would gobble up the properties and drive them out of their land, their home and their livelihood. We have seen this with the beaches of Samal. With the bridge in place, there is a big risk the same will happen to the rest of the island. CARLOS MUNDA, broadcast executive
YES. To hasten the development of the island city. DR. BO PUENTESPINA
NO, because I fear the destruction such an invasive construction project will wreak on the marine environment. BLOGIE ROBILLO
NO. No major cost benefit. One effect is that the island will become a magnet to more informal settlers. Too early yet. Just improve the ferry system now. ANTHONY B. SASIN
NO. I want to preserve The pristine condition of the island. ANA OROPESA
YES, a bridge to link development is a must in a globalized world. AMALIA BANDIOLA CABUSAO
THAT bridge was recommended a long time ago when I took part in a JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency)-sponsored formulation of a Davao regional master plan. I think local shipowners vehemently oppose the bridge. We are underdeveloped because of vested interest business.AMELITA ATILLO
YES to the bridge. It is the right time to do it for the economy itself is nearing maturity and it is not good that the infra and facilities are way behind. AMADO SO
YES.The bridge will accelerate trade, commerce, tourism- social and economic development both for Davao City and Davap del Norte cities and even Mati City and parts of Comval. EDNAR DAYANGHIRANG
YES. It will become cheaper to go there. The accessibility will benefit both the Davao City residents and the Samalenos. Likewise, trade an commerce will boom. DR. ROY FERRER
NO. ALL of Davao’s garbage will go to Samal. Samal will lose its pristine landscape and beaches. BENJIE LIZADA
NO, in order preserve the nature’s beauty in Samal Island. MAFEL NEGRIDO, info officer- TESDA
YES. Definitely. Progressive cities like Hong Kong and Macau are linked by bridges to facilitate more efficient transport, tourism and trade. CLARISE BAUTISTA, info officer, Philippine Ports Authority
YES. Davao City should not be parochial. GIL M. DUREZA, Board of Investments
YES to a bridge, as it will no longer allow pollution and destruction to the marine life arising from ro-ro traffic in the channel, improve farm-to-market transport and increase rde and commerce in both areas. WIT HOLGANZA
YES, because it will further spur economic development in Samal, as the bridge will allow easier access to the island. Economic development will also translate in more livelihood and progress for the people of Samal. HONEY WONG
NO, the cost is exhorbitant. Very long return on investment, My suggestion is to strengthen the roro service by introducing competition among port operators, shipping lines and PUB services. The traffic volume does not warrant a bridge. There are least-cost operations. MANUEL “JAM” JAMONIR, development planner
NO, that would open the island to runaway “development” at the expense of the local culture, traditions and norms – NIKKI GOMEZ
YES, of course what keeps this so long to implement this plan anyway. Lack of funds or politics? – THELMA CUIDADANO
YES, a bridge would make Samal development faster and would make it accessible. No need to wait for a barge or boat. – TERRY UNGSON
YES, I agree if and when the expected return on investment justifies it. I’ve heard that a study has already been conducted on a proposed bridge but the ROI doesn’t justify it yet. – GICO DAYANGHIRANG, former congressman
Two decades ago, a memo of understanding was entered into between the Philippines represented by former speaker Joe de Venecia and 3 big foreign companies to construct a bridge linking Davao City and IGACOS. Nothing happened. A bridge that will connect IGACOS with the mainland will propel economic development/prosperity and fully promote tourism in IGACOS now known worldwide as a tourist destination. ANONYMOUS
YES.It will allow for pollution and destruction of the marine life arising from roro traffic in the channel, improve farm to market transport and increase trade in commerce between both areas. WIT HOLGANZA
YES. That has been approved 8 years ago parent nalipat lang ang budget to Misamis. CRISTETA GALLANO
NO. The cost is exorbitant, very long return of investment. My suggestion is to strengthen the roro service by introducing competition among port operators, shipping line and PUB services. The traffic volume does not warrant a bridge. There are least-cost options. MANUEL “Jam” JAMiR, development planner
YES, because aside from ferry fare being costly, during weekends, it not takes two hours to get to Samal island from Davao City. ANTONIO PARTOZA
YES, so that those who fear riding boats can now visit Samal through the bridge. DR. MARIBEL T. CARMELOTES
YES, for economic and tourism development. Question is can IGACOS come up with the financial counterpart? They are not even done with their road system yet. WILLIE YONG, architect
YES. To boost the tourism industry in Samal and Davao. GOV. ARTURO
“Chiongkee” T. UY
YES, it will ease out Davao City and expand toward Samal, i.e. housing, international port terminal, etc. EDWIN BANQUERIGO, DTI
YES. I have two areas in Samal. I visit 2 times a week. Ferry boat charge is too expensive for me. MIKEY MIYAKE
YES. A bridge will boost tourism since getting there would be cheaper. No barge fee or boat fare. JOY BALINAS
YES, because it will hasten the progress of Samal island…now we are at the mercy of availability of barges which impose expensive rates. REYNALDO “Boy” REYES, banker
NO, if contractor is local. YES if foreign contractor. JONATHAN ‘Bong” NAGAYO
Life for everyone is better with a bridge. CARMELO JOSE “ABO” GEMPESAW
YES, like other parts of the country, Samal deserves to have its chance at progress as well. JESSE FORTICH
NO. The ride between Davao City and Samal is part of the package of visiting the beaches in Samal. Putting a bridge would take out the enjoyment of crossing by boat ride. ESTTIE TURINGAN
I believe that the bridge will not only help the Island Garden City of Samal and its people but also the entire region, most especially Davao City being the gateway to the Southern Mindanao. RACHEL ZOZOBRADO, Davao City councilor
As the Cebu Mactan bridge brought to Mactan so will Davao-Samal bridge will improve Samal’s economy and avoid monopoly. NANDIE SUBIDO
YES. It is really sad and pitiful to see motorists in a long queue during weekends and holidays. Considering the fact that Samal is only 900 meters away from the mainland Davao. Left unconnected makes our place backward technologically. SAMUEL ABRENILLA, inventor
NO. Not financially viable, according to studies, even by those who wanted to invest. ROGER BALANZA
NO. With the bridge, visitors would now easily frequent the island. That would mean more garbage. Right now, the island does not even have a proper garbage disposal system yet. Besides, the mystic of the island would be lost if could easily be accessed. WILFREDO “PIDOT” VILLACINO
YES. The bridge serves as a tool in the improvement of the people’s business activities and livelihood. Produce from Samal can be transported easily and vice versa. More business opportunities. Students can commute easily everyday without fear of being late in going to their schools and in coming home. Transportation is easier and safer than by motorboats and other means of water transportation. LILIA TAPIZ
YES absolutely! It’s a long delayed project. Samal today is one of the most expensive yet underdeveloped but naturally beautiful cities in the world. Expensive because of the ludicrously exhorbitant cost in going to the island, just to cross a few meters of water. Underdeveloped because the roads and other facilities need to be drastically improved. The construction of a bridge will reduce travel cost and lessen travel time. The bridge will show to the world that Samal and the perhaps the Philippines is also capable of improving its facilities. Such a project will serve a small step towards the bigger dream of being at part with the best tourist destinations in the world. ISRAELITO “BOBBET” TORREON, Eastern Mindanao governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
YES. Samal Island is the next tourist destination in Davao. It will bring millions of dollars in revenue so it is reasonable to invest in building a bridge to realize the market potential. RICKY DAYOT, inventor
YES. Reasons: 1. Easy transport of goods from Samal to Davao. 2. Faster and convenient to travel for people working in the city. 3. Attract more investors in Davao, thus creating more jobs, in effect growth in our economy. Davao will be more progressive. RODING CUTTLER
NO. It will be easy for the informal settlers to invade the island by then. TEK OCAMPO
