NEW WALKWAY. The construction of the 1.2-kilometer esplanade in Legazpi City is now 80 percent complete. Expected to be opened to the public before the yearend, the walkway is ideal for leisure and physical fitness activities. (PNA photo by Emmanuel P. Solis)

LEGAZPI CITY - The PHP32-million esplanade project here is now 80 percent complete and is expected to be opened to the public by yearend.

The walkway is adjacent to the four-kilometer boulevard between Albay Gulf and the majestic Mayon Volcano.

In an interview on Monday, City Engineering Office (CEO) chief Clemente Ibo said the 1.2-kilometer public walk structure is expected to draw local and foreign visitors because of its unique pavement made of paver stones, which are believed to have a "therapeutic" effect when pressed against the bare feet.

Another unique feature of the esplanade is its location, coming in between the sea (Albay Gulf) and a river (Macabalo), Ibo said.

"Its location is really unique that it possesses all the potentials to become another tourist-drawing destination in Legazpi City," he noted, adding that the walkway is ideal for leisure and physical fitness activities.

Ibo likewise said the city government will "put up uniform stalls that can be rented by the residents who would venture in small and medium businesses in order for them to generate additional income".

The budget for the esplanade construction was sourced out from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the city government, he added.

City Mayor Noel Rosal, in a separate interview, said people are attracted to walkways with health-boosting features, "that's why we put up such tourist-drawing structure. And we decided to locate it along coastlines for a more serene environment and free from city hassles such as noise and air pollutions".

Rosal is known for putting up tourist destinations that would showcase the city's beautiful spots, including the cone-shaped Mayon Volcano and the panoramic Albay Gulf.

Before the pandemic, the city opened the Sawangan Park and Kalayaan Park as additional destinations for domestic and foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of possible rise of the Macabalo and other rivers in the city during heavy rains, Ibo said the city government has bought additional amphibious excavators to continuously dredge these waterways. (PNA)