DAANG KALIKASAN. Tourists flock the Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem town, a road that will link Pangasinan to Sta. Cruz, Zambales, because of its scenic view. The Department of Public Works and Highways Ilocos regional office targets to finish the Pangasinan side of the road by next year. (Photo by Hilda Austria)
MANGATAREM, Pangasinan -- The scenic 14.6-kilometer road linking Mangatarem, Pangasinan and Sta. Cruz, Zambales is expected to be finished next year, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In an interview, DPWH Ilocos Region project engineer Willer Bince said about three kilometers remained under construction in the four-lane road with PHP1.13-billion funding.
“We are not sure, however, with the part of Zambales. But for the Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem town, we target to finish it before the onset of the rainy season. And then, we will proceed with the 30-meter bridge and some five-kilometer road that will connect Mangatarem and Aguilar towns which we hope will be funded next year,” he said.
The construction of the bridge and the road at the boundaries of Mangatarem and Aguilar towns is estimated to cost an additional PHP300 million and PHP400 million respectively, he added.
The project was initiated in 2012 by then 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, now mayor of Lingayen town.
In a recent interview, Bataoil said the Daang Kalikasan is part of the 54-kilometer, five-year road project of the national government.
The construction of the Mangatarem side started in 2017 along the highway on the Zambales side, with the intention to have both ends meet in the middle of 2021, Bataoil said.
“This road linking the two provinces will hasten not only travel but also trade and tourism since it passes through mountains and its construction will also ensure the protection and preservation of the remaining virgin forests in the area,” he said.
If the area is declared as part of the economic zones in Pangasinan, both sides of the highway can be tapped for eco-tourism projects since the road is “very scenic”, he added.
The Daang Kalikasan already draws tourists from all over the province and from neighboring provinces as it is perfect for its picturesque view.
With its full completion both in Pangasinan and Zambales areas, travelers from central and eastern Pangasinan need not pass through the towns and city in western Pangasinan to get to Zambales. (PNA)
