DPWH assures completion of tourism infra-projects in Western Visayas

PIA Press Release 2008/02/12

DPWH assures completion of tourism infra-projects in Western Visayas

Roxas City (12 February) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has assured the completion of three high impact tourism infrastructure projects in Western Visayas in support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's thrust of developing the tourism industry through the provision of quality infrastructure facilities leading to the major tourist hubs in the country.

The three high impact projects are the P548 million worth road widening project from Iloilo City to the new airport in Cabatuan, P676 Million worth Metro Iloilo Radial Road, and the P453 Million Pandan - Libertad Road ending up to the boundary of Antique and Aklan Province, said a DPWH online news.

DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis, in a report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., said that these projects will be completed on schedule or before 2010 considering the importance of these projects to the tourism industry.

"These three road network projects would not only improve accessibility to major tourist areas in the region but will also improve the socio-economic condition on their respective area as it provides employment and investment opportunities," Asis added in the online article.

The road widening project includes the asphalt overlaying and expansion of the existing two-lane and construction of bridges which will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase from the junction of Pavia to Sta. Barbara town was already completed while phase two is awaiting release for the needed funds. The fund allocation for the third phase was scheduled to be released in 2009.

The Metro Iloilo Radial Road is also divided into three phases with phase one started from the town proper of Zarraga towards Cabatuan airport is now on-going. The second phase is scheduled to start this year while the final phase was included in the 2009 budget.

Meanwhile, the Pandan Libertad Road was scheduled to be bidded out on June this year. It involves the improvement of 27-kilometer road from gravel to cement concrete pavement and is expected to be finished on the first quarter of 2010. (PIA/DPWH)

Cabatuan.com - Timeline 2008