LWUA to construct P66-M water system in Calico-an Island Resort

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
November 23, 2006

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar  –  After accomplishing the first-ever modern waterworks system here, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is now waiting for the release of some P66 million for the construction of a potable water supply in Calico-an Island Resort here.

LWUA acting deputy administrator and Guiuan Water District (GWD) interim board chairman Daniel I. Landingin said the release of said multi-million peso grant, as promised by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her visit to the resort last year, is expected to be granted any moment now.

According to Landingin, a group of private investors headed by certain Atty. Manuel Go of the Aboitiz Group of Companies is also now reportedly preparing to erect some tourism infrastructures including the proposed construction of a golf course, luxurious hotel accommodation with 400 rooms, in time for the creation of a water source in the area.

Last May 2006, Mrs. Arroyo promised the local residents and the tourists that she will allocate some funds for the said project and likewise directed the LWUA to finalize and submit the program of work to her office immediately.

Last October 11, 2006, the proposed project of work for the P66-M waterworks project was received by Mrs. Arroyo through former Presidential Management Staff Secretary Arthur Yap with endorsement coming from Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Guiuan Mayor Annaliza-Gonzales-Kwan.

In his letter, LWUA Administrator Lorenzo H. Jamora reported to the president that after their successful completion of P20 million worth of water system facility in Guiuan town, that is now “providing safe water to the hundred of residents in said town,” they are now ready to start this new project, after the release of said grant.

Meanwhile, the island of Calico-an resort which is located in the southernmost of Guiuan, Eastern, Samar is now being develop by the government as next Boracay – considered by many as the World’s greatest beach resort.