By the Bohol Chronicle
Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and Felino Palafox Jr. of the Makati City-based Palafox Associates recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) laying out their responsibilities in the master planning of the resort island of Panglao.
Aumentado said the move ensures that horizontal infrastructure in Panglao and Dauis towns will be in harmony with the terrain in relation to the beach and the sea, that support infrastructure for the Panglao Bohol International Airport will similarly be in harmony and not clash with the rest of the structures, and that drainage and separate sewer lines are properly installed, among others.
The governor said he chose Palafox over its contender because of the former’s international track record.
“Palafox has projects even in Dubai – the most modern city in the Middle East and even the world,†he said.
Besides, he added, Palafox gave the more advantageous offer – it computed its professional fees by the square meter but gave a 70 percent discount, hence it quoted P9.5 million for the job.
In addition, it waived charges of P600,000 for the engineering concept design for the water and drainage system which it will do first in order to help Mayor Benedicto Alcala and the Municipal Council led by Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes determine the loan amount that the local government unit will avail of to finance a modern and comprehensive waterworks system.
Aumentado said Panglao needs to anticipate the future if it intends to attract more tourists – tourism being its main economic driver.
The MOA already outlined the cost sharing for the undertaking by the stakeholders: P2 million from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) under General Manager Alfonso Cusi, P1 million each from the Department of Tourism (DOT) under Secretary Joseph Durano and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA); P1.5 million from the provincial government, P1 million from Rep. Edgar Chatto; and P2 million and P1 million respectively from the local governments of Panglao and Dauis.
The amount does not include yet Palafox’ out-of-pocket expenses for his team’s coming to the island to conduct consultations with the stakeholders.
The master plan, the governor said, will already include the establishment of an aeropolis or airport city as envisioned by Cusi and MIAA’s think-tanks.
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