The Bacolod–Victorias Coastal Road Project estimated to coast P25 billion is on track, Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said yesterday.

“The coastal road study is nearing completion. The next step will be securing funding for it,” Benitez told the DAILY STAR.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Rep. Francisco Benitez and Victorias Councilor Derek Palanca (l-r) at the meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways.*

“The target for completion is two to three years after funds are secured,” he said.

Benitez met Friday with representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Regional Director Lea Delfinado and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed alignment of the Bacolod Victorias Coastal Road after the conduct of the feasibility study, and to finalize the proposed road design.

The 41.4 km road that will start in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City, spans across Talisay and Silay cities, and the municipality of E. B. Magalona and will end in Barangay 13 in Victorias City, Benitez said.

Benitez underscored the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, citing the socio-economic impact of the road project not only to the Third District but to the entire Negros Occidental.

Albert Cañete of Urban Engineers, the partner of the Bureau of Design of the DPWH presented the various options under the proposed alignment for the road project. Upon completion of all the preliminaries, project implementation is targeted for mid 2020.

Former Rep. Alfredo Benitez and now Provincial Consultant on Economic Affairs who launched the project on his third and last term, joined the coordination meeting. He noted that the project will ensure protection of the shoreline communities.

Among those present were E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Marlin Sanogal, Victorias City Councilor Derek Palanca, District Engineer Jaime Javellana, representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, and the Planning and Engineering offices of Victorias, EB Magalona, Silay and Talisay.*