VIRAC, Catanduanes, June 15, 2010- A Catholic bishop hailed outgoing President Arroyo for the various infrastructure projects deemed to improve the social and economic welfare of Catanduanes folks.
Virac Bishop Manolo Delos Santos for instance cited the road construction projects in Caramoan, Camarines Sur which could let foreign and local tourists avail a shorter travel time to the famed Gota beach.
He said various infrastructure projects are also now under construction in San Andres town in Catanduanes.
Delos Santos said he is grateful to Arroyo for her concern to boost Catanduanes economy by building various infrastructure projects.
"We will soon provide tourists a better way to Gota Beach in Camarines Sur because of the roll on-roll off ports being constructed in Codon, San Andres town and San Vicente in the municipality of Caramoan in Camarines Sur," he said.
He explained tourists coming from Pili airport or Naga City will spend at least five hours land and sea travel to Gota Beach in Caramoan Peninsula. The opening of "ro-ro" service between Catanduanes and Camarines Sur will mean an hour's travel from Virac to Caramoan peninsula.
"The ferry travel between Catanduanes and Camarines Sur would be less than 30 minutes," he said. Only 40 kilometers of concrete roads separate Barangay Codon and this capital town.
The 62-year old prelate said Arroyo released P150 million for the three projects, P50 million each for the ferry terminals in Catanduanes and Camarines Sur and another P50 million for the port-related projects in Barangay Codon.
He also lauded the Arroyo administration for making his diocese "one of the top priorities" in infrastructure projects.
Delos Santos added that out of the 205 kilometers circumferential road, 92 kilometers have been concreted over the past years.
"I thank President Macapagal-Arroyo for her concern on matters referred to her attention including the tourism-related infrastructures," he added.
He further said it will only take two to three years for the whole province to have concrete roads. (Melo M. Acuna)
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