The PHP10-million lighthouse recently unveiled along the commercial port in Barangay Banquerohan, Cadiz City serves as a “beacon of hope” for the city’s flourishing economy, Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said Thursday.

“The new lighthouse will play a vital role in the flourishing fishing industry and related business ventures in Cadiz,” Escalante said in a statement.

“It’s our new beacon of hope. It signals that Cadiz is beyond ready to welcome more investors both in land or at sea.”

Located about 100 meters away from the two-hectare Cadiz City Commercial Port, the new lighthouse is surrounded by giant “armor rocks” to withstand bad weather and big waves, among others.

Escalante said the new lighthouse will also serve as a tourist destination as it attracts people especially during night time.

The project is also expected to strengthen the partnership between the city government and the Philippine Coast Guard, he said.

In a separate statement, Coast Guard District Western Visayas commander Capt. Weniel Azcuna commended the city government for pursuing the construction of the lighthouse.

“It is a symbol of hope and progress in this city,” he said.

Escalante led the inauguration and turnover of the lighthouse to the PCG on Wednesday, paving the way for the final decommissioning of the old ‘parola’ situated at the mouth of Hitalon River.

The commissioning of the new lighthouse will commence once it is registered to operate. (PNA)