Cebu Trade Leaders Welcome Proposed 17.5-KM Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge

Cebu’s business leaders are looking forward to the realization of the proposed 17.5-kilometer Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge, which is expected to help spur the economies of the two neighboring island-provinces.

Gordon Alan Joseph, president of the Cebu Business Club (CBC), said if his project materializes, it will have significant benefit to tourism as it would create a better supply chain between resource-rich Bohol and Cebu’s more mature markets.

“I think this is an excellent project, and for it to succeed, I do hope they design it to be able to withstand serious earthquakes and typhoons,” he said.

The proposed bridge will be from Getafe town in Bohol to Cordova town on Mactan Island in Cebu.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Glenn Soco described the project as a monumental undertaking that will bring good to the local economy.

“It will enhance trade and commerce between both provinces,” he said.

Soco said this has been a long-standing proposal of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7, and it was about time that the project finally moved forward.

Edilberto Mendoza, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators (Cato), said once the bridge is fully operational, the two provinces can expect an improvement in their respective tourism industries.

“Connectivity has always been a hindrance to tourism in both provinces,” he said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 said Central Visayas welcomed a total of 3.16 million tourists in the first seven months of this year, with Cebu getting the bulk at 2.3 million visitors; followed by Negros Oriental, with 402,405; Bohol, with 402,246; and Siquijor, with 54,788 arrivals. (PNA)LAP/EB/EDS