NEWSFLASH

P67.5-M TAGBILARAN PORT IMPROVEMENT LAUNCHED

Tagbilaran, Bohol, April 1, 2000 - President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada launched here Saturday several major development projects topped by the P67.48-million Tagbilaran City Port Improvement Project.

The President, who winds up his four-day Visayan visit Sunday, was assisted in lowering the time capsule signifying the project launching by Secretary Vicente Rivera Jr. of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Bohol officials led by Gov. Rene Relampagos and Mayor Jose Torralba of this city.

The ceremonies were also participated in by General Manager Benjamin Cecilio of the Philippine Ports Authority, PPA Assistant Manager Bert Catalan, Tagbilaran Port Manager Josephus Villamor; port calamay (rice cake) vendors, stall owners and dock workers.

Work on the Tagbilaran Port will start on April 15 and is expected to be completed next year.

Villamor said the project will enhance the port’s existing port facilities and allow more berthing spaces for fast ferries, as well as passenger and cargo vessels, improve its lighting systems, and expand its area by reclaiming some 8,229 square meters from the sea.

The project, he said, would further boost Bohol’s tourism industry and push the overall economy of Tagbilaran and the entire province.

During a multisectoral forum, Mr. Estrada released funds for livelihood projects of Bohol’s 100 poorest families and checks for other pro-poor initiatives, all under his anti-poverty program Lingap Para sa Mahihirap.

The warm reception for the President and his party here included festive music and dances performed by the Tagbilaran City Cultural Group, and Bohol’s indigenous Eskayas community.