ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / August 7, 2012) – Various infrastructure projects are expected to benefit residents of Zamboanga’s island villages as the local government continue its development programs in the southern Philippine city, officials said Tuesday.
City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo said the local government has an ongoing road project in Sacol Island. Once completed, the road will connect villages on the island and would hasten local transport in Sacol.
He said the local government also distributed speed boats on different island villages which are now being used in official functions and as emergency vessels to ferry residents from Sacol Island to mainland Zamboanga.
“Aside from the road projects, we are also looking at the construction of barangay (village) halls, health centers and school buildings, among other projects for island villages,” Despalo told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said the local government also allocated funds for the development of the Great Santa Cruz Island and turn it into a major tourist destination in Mindanao. Zamboanga City has recently awarded prizes to the winners of the Santa Cruz Islands architectural design contest.
Despalo said the local government allocated at least P20 million for the development of the pink-sand island just several nautical miles off Zamboanga.
The Great Santa Cruz Island is among the country’s best beaches and islands, according to the international news television CNNGo, which featured various summer destinations in the Philippines.
“On Great Santa Cruz Island, pulverized red coral washed up from the sea floor mixes with white sand to produce a pink-hued beach. It’s a different version of perfection: the powdery beach competes with the blue and green shades of the sea.”
“Some parts of the beach are lovely in their undeveloped state. There are signs of civilization – souvenirs, nipa huts and restrooms. Beach visits are limited to day trips, so you have to squeeze everything into a few hours: swim, sunbathe, snorkel, dive, even fish for your lunch. Just don’t mistake serenity for safety – there’s a deep drop in the sea just meters from shore,” CNN said to describe the famous island of Zamboanga.
Zamboanga – branded as Asia’s Latin City because of its unique creoles of Spanish and local languages and dialects – has 98 villages, including 28 surrounding islands. (Joymarie Soler)
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