Roads linking MP towns, Ilocos to boost tourism

By Francis Degay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Construction of roads to tourist sites in western Mountain Province which would link Ilocos Region are set to boost and tourism and economic activities in the province.  

A team from the Dept. of Tourism, National Economic and Development Authority of the Cordillera Administrative Region and the provincial Dept. of Public Works and Highways inspected and validated seven road networks that were proposed for funding in 2013 and 2014 by the DOT through DPWH on Nov. 19-22.

The team was composed of Sylvia Chinayog of DOT, Jerome Agaloos Sr. of NEDA and Roland Matias of DPWH.

They were assisted by staff of the Provincial Engineer and Provincial Tourism Office.

This is in consonance with the vision of President Benigno Aquino and implementation of Republic Act  9593, known as Tourism Act of 2009 to boost tourism development nationwide.

The tourism roads are under the DOT-DPWH convergence project of the tourism access program.

These are: Sagada-Besao-Tadian, Sabangan-Sagada, Mabaay-Abatan-Tadian, Guinzadan-Cagubatan, Bontoc-Mainit, Bontoc-Maligcong and Dantay-Sagada.    

In Cagubatan, Tadian mayor Anthony Wooden discussed and showed the team some of the tourist destinations such as the enchanted eel, Gawaan lake, which is about 1.5 ha., Mount Mogao (Mt. Clitoris) that is believed to have a cave below it and rice terraces.

Besao mayor Wellington Pooten and vice Harry Baliaga were thankful of the proposed concreting of the Sagada-Besao-Tadian road because of its great impact on tourism and economic development of the people of Besao and its nearby municipalities and parts of Ilocos province. 

Mayor EdwardoLatawan of Sagada appreciated the national government particularly DOT for its continuing support to the development of the famous tourist town of Sagada.

On the other hand vice mayor Richard Yodong accompanied the team to the proposed “controversial” Sabanga-Sagada road.

Yodong related to the team the need of more funds because the proposed road needs bridge construction between barangay Taccong and the road end to other side near the Balangagan cave.

Mountain Province governor Leonard Mayaen conveyed his gratitude to the regional directors and secretaries of DOT, NEDA and DPWH for prioritizing  development of roads to several tourist destinations in Mountain Province.

Mayaen said the development being extended by the national government will propel economic development in the province especially that tourism is booming in the rural areas, not only nationwide but worldwide as well.