Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar recently inspected the Mangatarem-Sta. Cruz Road or “Daang Kalikasan,” a mountain road project linking the Provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales dubbed to ensure that its construction is on track.
Villar said that “Daang Kalikasan” which passes through rolling hills and mountains will soon be an emerging tourist attraction in northern Luzon.
The public works chief was joined in his inspection in western Pangasinan by Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, Assistant Secretary Eugenio Pipo Jr., Region 1 Director Ronnel Tan, and Pangasinan 2nd District Engineer Edita Manuel.
“It is being constructed to further enhance trading and business activities between Pangasinan and Zambales.”
In his briefing, Tan said the four-lane 19.45-kilometer road project that starts from the Tarlac-Pangasinan Road and ends at Sta. Cruz, Zambales is being built to further enhance trading and business activities between Pangasinan and Zambales.
With a total funding requirement of P1.5 billion, the project involves acquisition of right of way, road opening, portland concrete cement paving, a 30-lineal meter bridge construction, drainage and slope protection works, and provision of safety barriers and pavement markings.
Implemented under a multi-year program, the project is being undertaken to provide both locals and tourists a more convenient travel to and from the provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales, while at the same time promoting the beauty of nature with its scenic view of mountain ranges.
“It will reduce travel time by almost half.”
“By connecting the Regions 1 and 3 through Daang Kalikasan, we can expect cheaper cost of transportation as it will reduce travel time by almost half since motorists will no longer have to go around other towns in western Pangasinan just to reach Zambales,” the public works head concluded.
Aside from connectivity and tourism, the project is seen to spur environmental and recreational activities that will contribute to the preservation of nature in the area.