Angara proposes Panama Canal-type bypass from Zamboanga del Norte to Lanao del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Team Unity senatorial candidate Edgardo J. Angara has proposed the construction of a Panama Canal-type bypass from Zamboanga del Norte to Lanao del Sur to fast-track the movement of vital goods from Mindanao into the Visayan Region and Metro Manila and boost Mindanao's commercial and trade links with the rest of the country.

Angara said that the construction of the canal cum shipping lane had been deemed feasible and commercially viable by a study which he commissioned during his term as agriculture secretary in 1999.

Angara said that shipping time would be cut by one day once the canal, which shall link Pangil Bay with Yllana Bay, is constructed across Mindanao's land mass.

"Fish catch from Cotabato or Sulu, seaweed from the ARMM, meat or poultry from these areas would save a day of travel if brought to Cebu or Metro Manila. Freight cost will be lower, producers will earn more, the risk of spoilage will be minimized," said Angara , in a news conference here.

Even the movement of goods within the Mindanao region will be hastened with the canal, said Angara.

Angara said that the speedy movement of goods and cargo within the region and outside of it will not be the only big benefit to be reaped by the region with the construction of the Canal.

"Just imagine the real estate boost this will give to Mindanao . Several townships along the proposed Canal would be made part of the economic mainstream. Where there is intensive commerce and trade, everything else follows: entertainment centers, schools, the entire infrastructure of modern civilization," said Angara.

Angara has been an exponent of a comprehensive Mindanao Agenda, which he said, is enough top turn enclaves of underdevelopment in the region into thriving zones of prosperity.

He said that the region is the only one endowed with two much-coveted gifts: it is typhoon -free and it is free from the dreaded foot and mouth disease.

These endowments, alone, he said, have a commercial value worth billions of pesos.

Angara is working to set the environment for the pouring of more investments into the region, especially agri-business enterprises, through a proposed investment act.