This was announced by the office of (3rd District) Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez on Sunday after the lawmaker met with a team from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Western Visayas Regional Director Lea Delfinado and representatives from provincial and local governments and other concerned agencies.

During the coordination meeting held at DPWH-6 satellite office in Talisay City on Friday, Benitez said the cooperation and support of stakeholders is important in pursuing the project, which will bring a major socio-economic impact not only to the third district but to the entire province as well.

The third district, located in the north, is comprised of the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, and the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Murcia.

The coastal road project, which spans 41.4 kilometers, will start in Barangay Banago, Bacolod, traversing across Talisay, Silay, E. B. Magalona, and end in Barangay 13, Victorias.

Benitez and the DPWH representatives discussed the feasibility study and detailed engineering design of the proposed project presented by engineer Albert Cañete, project manager of Urban Engineers, partner of the agency’s Bureau of Design.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Marlin Sanogal, who also attended the meeting, said on Monday the proponents will need the endorsement of the Provincial Development Council for the conduct of the feasibility study and eventual national government funding.

Sanogal said the provincial government welcomes the project, which is seen to ease traffic going to the north and further enhance economic development in the area.

“It is also a disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation measure that will benefit the local government units and the whole province in general. It can improve the drainage system and prevent flooding, and serve as shoreline protection,” she added.

Sanogal said the coastal road project can also be a venue for tourism development once coastal parks and boulevards are built in the area.

Provincial Consultant on Economic Affairs Alfredo Benitez, who introduced the project during his third and last term as third district congressman, also attended the meeting. (PNA)