Proponent sees a city within a city, as it pushes for project okay 

Is Tagbilaran ready for “a city within a city”?

That precisely is the idea behind the plan of Bohol Quality (BQ) Corp. to extend its shoreline to the depths of Tagbilaran Bay to pave the way for another modern “waterfront city”.

Meanwhile, the same company undertaking a controversial 6-hectare reclamation along the city’s waterfront has allayed fears that the project is environmentally destructive while citing the project’s economic and tourism potentials. Amid rising public discussion on the issue, the local conglomerate BQ Corporation yesterday revealed its blueprint of a modern commercial, residential and leisure complex that can be suitably called “a city within a city”. In an official statement, BQ Corporation declared that the reclamation project, “if approved, will pave the way for a new waterfront development along the coast of Tagbilaran City and will transform the city’s coastline with innovative architecture, imaginative new parks and recreation areas, arts and culture to create a neighborhood Tagbilaranons will love.” Responding to allegations of critics to the project, BQ Corporation assured the reclaimed site will be a model of environmentally sustainable development within the city’s waterfront. Aside from BQ, several other establishments have existing and ongoing reclamation projects along portions of the Tagbilaran Channel. The company appealed to the public to “keep an open mind” while explaining that the “mini city” would spur economic activity in Tagbilaran and even neighboring towns. “Hundreds of new jobs will be created out of the project, from the construction phase to its completion and full operations, a whole new workforce is needed,” the developer said. As the “city within a city” concept implies, the developer described that the reclaimed estate will serve as the city’s showcase for a mixed-use development that will include office, retail, residential, parks, open spaces, culture and entertainment.

ORIENTATION AND TOPOGRAPHY

Since the reclaimed site adjoins BQ properties (comprising BQ Mall, Galleria Luisa, Marbella Plaza) which is naturally sloping down to the sea, a pedestrian access will be built from Gallares Street. The present two-lane flow of vehicular traffic along Gallares Street will be parallel to the reclaimed property while B. Inting, H. Grupo and Lessage Streets will be extended to connect down towards the site through proposed three-lane roads, with one lane allotted for on-street parking. “The developed site will be flanked by these 3 roads that can be accessed via two-lane, two-way roads. Apart from these roads, separate two-lane, one-way roads will be provided to lessen vehicular traffic within the area,” according to the developer.

MAJOR FEATURES

The 6-hectare property will have four major zones. A commercial zone, mixed-use zone, residential zone and open parks and recreation spaces. The main access road, Gallares Street, will provide access to these zones which entices the public to stroll down the waterfront development where single-detached restaurants with open carparks and a “walkable” beach are lined-up. The property shall have non-buildable areas due its contour. These areas will be landscaped and that can later be turned into natural filtering systems from nearby rainwater reservoirs. Aside from this, an on-site sewerage treatment plant will be built linked to the property’s drainage network.

DIVERSION ROAD

To complete the waterfront development, a new diversion road will be built traversing through the property’s waterline from Sitio Ubos (Poblacion 1) to the K of C Promenade (Poblacion 2). This allows fast and easy access to and from the property as well as towards the central business district of the city (Poblacion areas). “Soon, you don’t have to look out from Dauis to enjoy Tagbilaran’s beautiful coastline. Striking views, stunningly modern design and easy access to shopping, dining, parks and recreation, arts and culture will make this reclamation project Tagbilaran City’s most exciting new neighborhood,” said the developer.

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Even as a group of environmental advocates claim that the project will adversely affect the marine ecosystem in the Tagbilaran Bay, the private developer said they have sought the guidance of both private and government environmental experts. The developer added that every year the government will stand to earn millions in lease payments, tax revenues and real estate taxes from the reclamation project.