GMA urged: Use P300M to upgrade Mt Prov roads

By Dexter A. See

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Regional Development Council recently passed a resolution requesting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to use P300 million savings from the implementation of her State of the Nation Address (SONA) projects in the region to rehabilitate and upgrade the Dantay-Sagada-Besao-Nacawang road, a 13.2-km road which was given national status, and the Bontoc-Natonin-Barlig-Paracelis road.

The Dantay-Sagada-Besao-Nacawang road leads to the mystic town of Sagada, the place of the world famous caves and hanging coffins, while the Bontoc-Natonin-Barlig-Paracilis road leads to the towns of Barlig, Paracelis and Natonin which host well-preserved rice terraces, falls, caves and rich culture and traditions.

However, the RDC cited the poor condition of the roads leading to numerous unexplored tourist spots in the province prevents local and foreign tourists from visiting the said areas and spending their money to support the economic and livelihood activities of the people in the rural communities.

Initially, the rehabilitation of the Mount Data-Bontoc section of the Halsema highway, a major flagship project of the President, has reportedly realized a savings of P203 million, the upgrading of the Bontoc-Banaue section of the same road has realized a savings of P82 million and the rehabilitation of the Mountain Province side of the Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road has netted a savings of P7 million.

The Department of Tourism has issued a certification that the Dantay-Sagada-Besao-Nacawang road and the Bontoc-Natonin-Barlig-Paracelis road lead to potential tourist destinations in the province, thus, the urgent need to improve the condition of the roads to attract the influx of more local and foreign tourists who could contribute in propelling economic growth in the rural areas.

The national government has earmarked at least P5.2 billion for the rehabilitation of the Mount Data-Bontoc and Bontoc-Banaue section of the Halsema highway and the Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road to spark increased economic activities in the various parts of the Cordillera because of improved access to other neighboring provinces of Regions I and II.

The RDC cited the President for pouring huge amount of money in the Cordillera alone to realize her commitment for better infrastructure in rural areas which would translate to better economic development once she steps down from office next year.

Sagada is known for its famous caves and hanging coffins while Banaue is known for its world famous rice terraces frequented by local and foreign tourists during the year.

The development of vital road links in the region is included in the Cordillera Road Improvement Project (CRIP), the blueprint for all local and national roads in the region.