P34 B allocated for dev’t of roads leading to major tourist spots

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines - The national government allocated P34 billion for the rehabilitation and development of roads and bridges leading to major tourist destinations in the country, including the Capissaan cave systems here, to boost the tourism industry.

This was disclosed during last Monday’s Cagayan Valley tourism council assembly led by former Quirino Rep. Maria Angela Cua with Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez as guest of honor and speaker.

The allocation of fund for the improvement of roads and bridges is in line with the Aquino administration’s National Tourism Development Plan pursuant to the National Tourism Act of 2009.

Engineer Melvin Navarro, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director for Cagayan Valley, said that at least P1 billion is reserved for the region (P265 million in 2012, P242 million in 2013 and P498 million in 2014) to develop road networks which have significant impact on tourism.

At least three of the region’s major tourism sites - the Capissaan caves in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya and the Peñablanca Caves and Palaui Island both in Cagayan - have been identified for road networks development.

The DPWH said the construction of a mountain road leading to the caves is expected to start next year, and the national government already earmarked an initial P46 million of the programmed P126 million for its completion.

The DPWH also said that P80 million from its fund and from the Department of Tourism (DOT) is expected to be released next year for the completion of the mountain road project.

When completed, the more than 30-kilometer road construction and rehabilitation project will link the Capissaan caves in Kasibu town to the national highway in Bambang town.

The Capissaan caves system has been touted by the DOT as world-class because of its spectacular rock formation and centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites. Experts also said that it is one of the country’s longest cave systems.

The DOT said a well-paved road leading to the caves would lure more tourists to visit the mountain area, which is also known for its sweet oranges, thus boosting the province’s tourism industry.