KORONADAL CITY, Philippines — Road workers of the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Mindanao region have already begun its clearing operations for the 40-kilometer access road project that connect the five towns in the upper valley area of South Cotabato province and General Santos City.
The access road project worth P700-million will pass through the mountains that usually served as the “passing routes” of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating the tri-boundary of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.
“Na-umpisahan na po namin. Clearing and excavation operations are on-going in the area,” Engr. Rolan Quitalig, one of the project engineers of the multi-million access road project said Thursday.
The access road project will pass through the foothills of Barangays Afus and T’bolok, and portions of Barangays Mongocayo, Basag and Maan, all reported to be the routes used by NPA rebels while crossing the said three provinces.
The said barangays forms part of T’boli, a town located in the upper valley area of the province and known for its huge gold deposits and “world-class waterfalls.” It is also home of more than 90,000 B’laan and T’boli tribesmen.
Mayor Dibu Tuan said the access road project will offer economic and eco-tourism benefits to T’boli and the neighboring towns of Surallah, Banga and Lake Sebu.
Tuan said residents soon would directly access the General Santos City airport through the T’boli-General Santos City access road project, making travel time shorter.
In a phone interview, Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez said three bridges will be constructed in the access road. Hernandez was the one who lobbied for the funding of the said access road project in his district.-Ramil H. Bajo/Newsline.ph
