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On its first phase, PhP 3.7 M has been allotted for the construction of four spans at 12 meters per span with concrete pavement/walkway of three meters width; with pavers blocks, road pavement width of 5 meters (gravel-wash finish); 60 linear meters seawall; 60 linear meters drainage and sewer system, and electrical roughing-in excluding lamp posts. According to City Engineer Darwin S. Arig, the project will be completed within 120 calendar days.

Mayor Aniano P. Antalan stressed that the venture will entail several phases and the local government plans to earmark the budget until its completion. He said that he is optimistic that the development will spur the tourism industry in the Island. “Babak is the major entry point to Samal so this project will definitely improve not only the aesthetics of our place but will also increase the economic activities”, he said.

Antalan also emphasized that aside from enhancing the physical outlook of the Island through infrastructure projects such road concreting and this coastal park development, several efforts are also being done to make Samal more attractive to tourists. These include maintaining peace and order, boosting the pride of residents through the city of character program, environmental and development management that includes human development and good governance through the Isla nga Maanyag program (IMMP), among others.

Samaleños are also excited about the said coastal park. “Dako kaayo ni nga kalamboan alang sa Samal, partikularmente na sa Babak, ilabi na gayud kay wala man gyuy park dinhi”, Rolando Cadano said. (This is a big development for Samal, particularly in Babak, considering that there is no public park in Babak yet). Cadano operates a videoke bar just across the project site. If plans will push through, the stall that he now occupies, including those nearby will be dismantled to give way for the construction of a commercial building.

According to Engr. Arig, the Villarica-Garcia clan that owns the property plans to put up a hotel and convention center with commercial spaces.

Councilor Napoleon Villarica, who spoke in behalf of Villarica-Garcia family expressed gratitude to the local government not only for initiating the coastal park development project but also for realizing the vision of their parents that each of their tenants will have a piece of land of their own through the provision of a relocation area.

Villarica referred to the informal settlers who formerly resided on the project site but now have been given relocation by the local government. (Samal PIO/nosadaq/mta)