Euphoria has swept the cross-section of the populace both in the province of Catanduanes and the Caramoan Peninsula over the coming implementation of the Presentacion-Caramoan coastal road, confirming that the vital infrastructure project has been long awaited by the people in the area.
Answering a one- question survey fielded by the CRANE MONITOR, respondents were practically one in their optimism that once the project is completed the lives of the people in the Caramoan Peninsula as well as Catanduanes, which will be linked by the Roll on-Roll off project connected to the coastal road, will dramatically improve. Respondents were also very grateful to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the proponents of the project.
The appeal to President Arroyo to fund the completion of the coastal road started with a petition last year by the Caramoan Residents Association in Naga City and its Environs (CRANE) which drew an avalanche of multi-sectoral support.
Governor L-Ray Villafuerte and his father, Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, promptly endorsed the petition and vigorously worked to secure funding.
Endorsements also came from Catanduanes Gov. Leandro Verceles, Jr., Congressman Felix Alfelor, Jr., all priests from Catanduanes and Caramoan led by Bishop Manolo A. de los Santos, D.D. the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all municipal officials and barangay captains of Caramoan, the Caramoan Senior Citizens Federation, the United High School faculty and alumni and more than 500 teachers, businessmen and community leaders. It is thus far the only project in this part of the country that had mustered such a groundswell of support.
This is traced to the fact that when the project was started in 1991 and abandoned in 1992 people have relentlessly clamored for its completion but to no avail. The coastal road will link Presentacion town directly to Caramoan in a 24-kilometer route alongside the picturesque Lagonoy Gulf coastline instead of the 49- kilometer hazardous mountain road beside deep ravines and precipices. Over rough, winding rugged mountain road the difference means about one and half hours travel time.
The single question asked by the CRANE MONITOR to respondents was: What can you say about the decision of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to fund the completion of the Presentacion-Caramoan Coastal Road?
Here are some of the reactions:
This will bring Caramoan Peninsula and Catanduanes to the mainstream of commerce and trade and, therefore, vastly improve the lives of people. We in Catanduanes have long dreamed of reaching the mainland within a much shorter time than the four hours that the ferry boat takes us to Tabaco City. With the coastal road completed the RORO to Caramoan will enable us to reach mainland in just 30 minutes. Thank you so much Madam President.
ATTY. MANUEL A. MAGISTRADO Retired Provincial Fiscal Virac, Catanduanes
The dream of every Caramoanon is now a reality. The Caramoan coastal road will bring not only the much –needed development of the economy and tourist industry of Caramoan but it will also bring people closer, especially those living or working in the island province of Catanduanes, like me, who now have an alternative route--- a shorter one --- to the mainland. All of these, we owe to President Arroyo for providing the funds for this project. Thank you Madame President for caring for the Bicolanos.
LELU P. CONTRERAS Presiding Judge RTC Branch 43 Virac, Catanduanes.
This is a welcome development not only for Caramoan residents but also for all Bicolanos especially my provincemates in Catanduanes. This will greatly enhance the economic growth of Bicol because tourism potentials may now be tapped and commerce and trade will certainly flourish. We should all be very grateful to President Arroyo. DR.
GLORIA V. TABUZO Provincial Adminitrator Catanduanes
The project will definitely spur economic growth of Caramoan Peninsula and the Province of Catanduanes. Once realized commerce and trade in these areas will perk up. Both Caramoan and Catanduanes will vigorously move towards development.
GERRY S. RUBIO Public Relations Officer Catanduanes State College
I am very much happy that President Arroyo allocated funding to complete the Caramoan coastal road. With this, the dream of my cousin, the late Governor Juan Molina Alberto for a connecting highway to Catanduanes will at last be realized.
MSGR. FRANCISCO S. MOLINA Virac, Catanduanes
Allocating funds for the completion of the Caramoan coastal road is one of the most commendable decisions of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This project will not only shorten travel time to Caramoan but greatly improve the lives of people. Indeed, this has been one of the cherished dreams of Caramoanons. Madam President, we, the people of Caramoan, will be very grateful and will consider this your lifetime legacy to us. Please be assured that we shall continue to pray for you.
ROMULO R. NAA Principal, Caramoan Central School
We expect Caramoanons once the Caramoan coastal road is completed. Tourists may thereafter begin to flock to our beautiful beaches and islets. Their coming has been hampered by transportation difficulties.
JOSE P. SANCHO Principal, United High School
As a Caramoanon I am elated considering the economic benefits the coastal road will bring to us. I just hope it will be realized at the soonest possible time. Once realized it will be a great legacy of the President to the people of Caramoan.
KENNEDY C. ALARCON High School Teacher, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Once realized the coastal road will hasten tourism development and generate jobs for the people.
DR. ARNEL B. MILLESES Partido State University, Caramoan Campus
The decision of President Arroyo to fund the completion of the Caramoan coastal road is wise and laudable. Certainly, completion of the project will bring progress to Caramoan. I just hope that this would not become another white elephant like the Hanopol irrigation system which after ten years has not benefited the people.
MELANIO V. BASIÑO Retired teacher and Ex-Councilor, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Giving priority funding for the Caramoan coastal road is a very sound and judicious decision. Completion of the road is very timely and indispensable at this time when Caramoan is fast becoming a tourist destination. Kudos to the proponents and our gratitude to her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
TOMAS CRISOLOGO RECTO Public School Teacher and Director, CASURECO IV, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Many Caramonanons have died unnecessarily because during stormy weather they could not be transported to Naga City hospitals. Thank you, Mrs. President!
MA. ROSARIO S. PRIOL Faculty Member, United High School, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
I am thankful to President Arroyo for listening to the clamor of Caramoanons. The coastal road will be of great value to us all.
ELNORA A. SANCHO Librarian, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
We will appreciate throughout our lifetime the decision of President Arroyo to give enough funding to complete the Caramoan coastal road.
GREGORIO RENO RECTO School Registrar, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
I am praying that the Caramoan coastal road will be completed as envisioned by President Arroyo because it is indeed badly needed to improve the lives of the people.
REV. FR. DEXTER PADILLO Parish of St. Michael Archangel, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
