THE LOCAL government here has bared plans to upgrade roads and build bridges funded by the central government in the historic Tubabao Island.
Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan said the Department of Public Works and Highways has set aside nearly PHP160 million for the construction of the 200-meter bridge and concreting of the more than three-kilometer road.
“The program of work is already finished. The budget will be released in 2021, but I will try to work that this will be included or start next year,” Kwan said in an interview Monday.
Kwan told reporters this road and bridge are very important for Tubabao Island as this will provide better accessibility to residents who use boats to reach the town center.
The island has more than 5,000 residents who rely on fishing as their major source of income.
A bridge built by the Americans used to connect Tubabao to Guiuan but this was destroyed by a strong typhoon in 1951. Since then, residents and visitors to the island have to use boats to reach it.
The construction of the bridge and concreting of the road will not only benefit residents but will also help in the promotion of Tubabao as a pilgrimage destination for Russian tourists.
Guiuan town is expecting an influx of Russian tourists visiting after the Russian Embassy committed to help promote the town to its citizens around the world.
“The road and bridge on the island will bring more development and efficiency to tourists because once finished they will no longer have to walk for several minutes since vehicles can directly go to the island,” Kwan said.
Tubabao Island has a significant contribution to Russian history after they welcomed 6,000 Russian refugees who stayed on the island from 1949 to 1951.
The refugees were called “White Russians” who evaded the communist government. It was only the Philippine government under then-president Elpidio Quirino who responded to their letter requesting to give them temporary shelter.
Tubabao Island, a former US Navy base during World War II became their temporary home while waiting for the international community to respond to their plea for asylum.
In 1951, after two years of stay on the island, the refugees were granted asylum to the United States of America, Australia, France, and South American and European countries.
During the celebration of the 70th Sojourn of White Russians in Tubabao Island, in Guiuan town on Friday, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said his country will be forever grateful to the people of Guiuan for saving thousands who escaped the communist government in 1949.
Khovaev said that his fellow Russians can express this gratitude to the people of Guiuan not only by learning the history of their people on the island of Tubabao but by visiting the island as well.
This is also an opportunity for Filipinos to learn more about Russian.
The Russian ambassador added with the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in his country, there is a possibility that President Vladimir Putin will also visit the country soon.(By Roel Amazona)
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