The construction of the PHP219-million Borongan City Diversion Coastal Road means more opportunities are ahead for the capital city of Eastern Samar province, an official said on Monday.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said in an interview that the coastal diversion road links Sabang North and Sabang South villages, providing additional and alternative access roads for travelers going to the northern part and eastern portion of Eastern Samar, passing Borongan City.

This will result in eased traffic flow along the national road of Borongan within the downtown area, he said.

The coastal diversion road project has a total length of 825 meters, including a 150-meter bridge, connecting the existing road at Baybay Boulevard to the national highway at Sabang North.

Since the road project will traverse Baybay Boulevard, a major tourist destination in the city, this will also help attract more people to visit their place, spurring economic activity, the city mayor added.

“This is really a milestone, not only providing accessibility but also resulting in the entire development of our city, most especially this Baybay Boulevard, spurring economic development and sports tourism development,” Agda said.

Located along Baybay Boulevard, Baybay Beach is the venue for the yearly hosting of the national surfing championship sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association. Also located along the stretch of the boulevard are some of the city’s sports facilities, such as the skateboard park and basketball and tennis courts.

The area is a “to-go” spot for people in Borongan as it hosts several parks, food stalls, restaurants, several accommodation facilities, and several toilets.

The construction of the coastal diversion was made possible with the assistance of the House Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.

Of the PHP219-million budget requirement, the project got an initial release of PHP163.9 million for 2024.

In a statement, Libanan assured this will be completed by 2025, ensuring that funding will be appropriated by the national government for the remaining “unfunded project.”.

Aside from bridge and road construction, the project also includes the construction of slope protection and drainage. (PNA)