DAVAO CITY (July 27) —President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurated Thursday the P717.6 million Candon City Bypass Road project aimed at decongesting Candon City’s commercial center and propping up economic activity in the region.
In his speech, President Duterte said he is pleased to join the people of Candon City for Thursday’s inauguration, saying the project is an important component of the government’s comprehensive infrastructure development program.
“Let me acknowledge the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the successful completion of this 7-kilometer bypass road,” he said.
“I also thank the local government of Candon and the surrounding towns for their steadfast support for this project.”
The project emphasizes the importance of infrastructure interconnectivity in the overall development of the country, the President noted, adding this is the reason the government continues to heavily invest in the Build, Build, Build Program to enhance connectivity and improve people’s lives.
Project proponents envisioned the bypass road project to promote economic activity and enhance mobility in the urban and rural areas of Ilocos Sur and its neighboring provinces.
It will decongest traffic along the section of the Manila North Road that traverses Candon City, benefiting traders and motorists from Ilocos Norte and Abra.
With its completion, travel time will be reduced from 40 minutes to 20 minutes from Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur to Santiago, Ilocos Sur. It is expected to benefit 13,061 motorists every day.
Works for the bypass road started in 2015 by the DPWH including the construction of the 30-lineal meter four-lane Oaig Daya Bridge. The project was funded by DPWH’s budget including the payment for the right of way.-PND
