TACLOBAN CITY – The Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is upbeat that the lighting of the San Juanico Bridge will attract more investments in Samar and Leyte.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Oct. 19, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said the project, which is the first in the country, will attract more tourists to the region.
“This is a world-class project, and it exceeded our expectation. It’s about time to market the destination. Since everything is connected to tourism, it will create a positive impact in communities in Samar and Leyte provinces,” Lapid said.
“Lighting the bridge is a symbol of strength after all disasters that struck the region such as super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ and ‘Odette.’ Despite of the devastations in the past years, there is sign of hope and resiliency,” Lapid added.
Department of Tourism-Eastern Visayas chief Karina Rosa Tiopes said San Juanico Bridge is a must visit site for daytime visitors and the lighting project will draw guests at night.
“Those from the business sector have been planning to set up more shops near the boardwalk and this will spur economic development within the area,” Tiopes said
The official switch on of the San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic Lighting and Sound Project is scheduled on Wednesday night to be led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The event will also turn over the project to the Samar provincial government which has committed to operate and maintain the aesthetic lights.
The Samar local government is a proponent of the project funded through P80-million outlay from TIEZA in 2018. Pandemic movement restrictions delayed the completion of the project.