"President Arroyo has already given us the green light to look for consultants on this," Mayor Democrito Plaza II said.

The major problem faced by the business community is the lack of seaport facilities in Butuan City.

They have to transport their products 30 kilometers to the Nasipit International Port, thus adding more costs to them.

"The city government is looking into this problem," Plaza told Manila Bulletin.

The Masao Development Project consists of roads, expansion of Masao port and bridges, shipyards, buildings, communication centers and other port and industrial faciltiies.

Masao is only 5 to 7 kilometers away from the heart of the city.

However, Mayor Plaza admitted it would take hard work and patience to achieve this goal.

"The oversight committee, our national, local experts and engineers are already doubly working hard to finish their studies," he stressed.

Currently, the Major Flood Control Cluster 11 and Cotabato Agusan River Basic Development Project under the supervision of Director Philip F. Menez is constructing multi-million drainage and flood system projects along the western side of the city.

Another project is the R1.2-billion 2nd Magsaysay Bridge, which is nearly a kilometer long.

This project can help the business community in transporting their farm and industrial products as well.

Other projects include city gymnassium and Butuan-Bukidnon road.

"These multi-billion projects can benefit Butuanons and provide more employment and income generation," the mayor said.