[ Manila Bulletin Online ] November 4, 2008
By SARAH JANE HILOMEN
MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon led the kick off ceremony for the sprucing of all roads and highways in the province.
Governor Malanyaon led the launching of the Safe and Scenic Highway Development project in Barangay Pintatagan in Banaybanay town - which is one of the three entry points of the province.
Theresa Le Neindre, project coordinator of the Safe and Scenic Highway Development, said the project will "guide the highway development towards a desired image that is consistent with safety and the aesthetic values of the province."
She said the project will be implemented in two phases. First phase of the project covers the municipalities of Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro, Governor Generoso and the province’s capital - Mati.
While phase two of the project covers the municipalities of Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel and Boston.
Governor Malanyaon said welcome signs will be put up at three identified entry points of the province. These are in the town of Banaybanay, while the other one will be put up in the boundary of Cateel town and Compostela Valley province, and in the border between Boston town and Surigao del Sur.
According to the concept and activity design of the project, the provincial government will also construct Tourist and Investment Information kiosks in the three entry points of the province.
While view decks with public toilets and picnic areas, coffee and souvenir shops and ample parking areas will also be established in the so-called "perfect spots" in Davao Oriental.
"The travelers may stop over (the view decks) to rest, refresh and relieve themselves or to just appreciate the landscapes and seascapes of the province," said Le Neindre.
Governor Malanyaon said that tall green trees, medium flowering trees, tall flowering shrubs and ground flowers will be planted at an appropriate distance in all roads and highways of the province "to create a safe, beautiful, colorful, pleasant and scenic driving experience for travelers and guests to the province."
She said all local government officials in the province have expressed full support for the project by leading the planting of tall trees such as narra, mahogany, molave, lawaan, yakal, teakwood, almaciga, antipolo and gimelina trees in their respective barangays and municipalities.
The village residents have also volunteered to plant flowering shrubs such as bougainvillea, gumamela, adelfa and birds of paradise and ground flowers like santan, morning glory, star flower, peanut plant, pansee and magic flowers.
On the other hand, Le Neindre said they expect to complete the project by 2010 in the municipality of Boston.
It was gathered that Davao Oriental is known for its most fabulous and most majestic eco-tourism destinations.
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