TACLOBAN — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Friday that the national government has earmarked PHP 2.8 billion for the Tacloban causeway project. This initiative aims to create a direct route from the city’s downtown area to the airport, facilitating easier and faster travel.
According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH-Eastern Visayas Director Edgar Tabacon reported that the project currently boasts a 9.66 percent completion rate, funded by appropriations from 2022 and 2024. The funding will be used to construct a 1.43-kilometer segment of the 2.56-kilometer causeway that extends from Magsaysay Boulevard across Cancabato Bay to the airport complex.
Tabacon emphasized that the project is not only about infrastructure development but also about enhancing Tacloban’s appeal to tourists and investors. The causeway, which is the first of its kind in Eastern Visayas, is expected to reduce the travel time from the city center to the airport from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes.
The causeway design includes a four-lane road, a central bridge, separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, and wave deflectors, aiming to provide a scenic and efficient route. It will start from the city hall complex at Magsaysay Boulevard and extend to Kataisan point at the Tacloban Airport in San Jose District.
Additionally, the project is anticipated to complement a future new airport terminal intended for international flights, enhancing Tacloban’s connectivity and economic prospects. The causeway will also serve as a protective barrier for nearby communities against destructive waves, adding a layer of security for the region.
The DPWH is optimistic that the remaining budget of PHP 1.99 billion required for the project will be allocated by 2025 and 2026, following commitments from the House of Representatives.