Construction of Daang Kalikasan starts
PANGASINAN-ZAMBALES ROUTE
MANGATAREM—The P1.13-billion worth Daang Kalikasan project, an estimated 54-kilometer (km) road link that will link Pangasinan through this town and Sta. Cruz, Zambales had its groundbreaking ceremony on May 15.
The Mangatarem-Sta. Cruz Road (Pangasinan side) involves improvement of 13.05 km existing road and acquisition of 17.43 km new road and acquisition of road right of way.
The construction starts this year with an initial fund of P100-million for phase 1 while phases 2 up to 4 cost P300,000 each to be implemented in succeeding years thereafter and another P130-million for phase 5 funded by DPWH, Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The project is expected to stimulate economic activities in the area by providing shorter, faster and cheaper transport system, said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Regional Director for Region 1 Ronald Tan.
This project is an initiative of Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil,
whose House Bill cited the 54-km road located through Barangay Muelang, Mangatarem and Barangay Guiguis, Zambales being used by off truck vehicles during summer season only.
The surrounding terrain is a beautiful landscape of gentle hills, river and pockets of forests which can still be saved, conserved and expanded to preserve the last remaining species of the wildlife, flowers and fauna, Bataoil said.
He added that “Daang Kalikasan” has a strong potential of becoming a world-class tourism attraction that will benefit both provinces.
Pangasinan Second District Board Member Raul Sison said the project will be beneficial not only for the present but future generations as well.
DOT Regional Director Martin Valera commended Bataoil for conceptualizing the project which will further promote travel and tourism, aside from increasing farmers’ productivity and economy.
DENR Regional Director Paquito Moreno said the “Daang Kalikasan” project also boosts the environment. (Eva Visperas)
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