LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — Hundreds of residents of this sleepy seaside town have been opposing the construction of a 2.79-kilometer bypass and diversion coastal road, which they fear will destroy at least 30 hectares of mangrove forest. EarthworksThe Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had awarded to CM Tan Construction, a company based in Butuan City, the P173-million coastal road project. The company had started dumping limestone gravel on the starting line of the road project in December 2018 after funding for the project was included in the 2018 General Appropriations Act. Local officials supported the clamor of residents, who initiated a signed manifesto in the first week of December 2018, opposing the implementation of the road project. “I just wonder why this coastal road project as insisted by Congressman Pichay suddenly came up like a mushroom,” said Enrique Layno IV, president of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 17, 2019 12:33 UTC