Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar checked the condition of major roads in Boracay Island along with the other members of the Boracay Rehabilitation Task Force, including Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.
During the inspection, the task force saw the need for the collaborative effort in the rehabilitation, improvement and widening of the narrow roads in the island causing the perennial problem of traffic congestion.
Secretary Villar emphasized the need for the immediate release of funds that it has requested from the DBM for the rehabilitation project as well as assured the continuous improvement of the entire road network in the island as part of the DPWH Region VI’s multi-year infrastructure program.
According to DPWH VI Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, the regional office is extending assistance for the demolition/clearing of encroachment including removal of obstructions within the 12-meter road right-of-way along Boracay Circumferential Road to pave way for the widening project, to cover initially the length of 5.26 kilometers from Cagban Port to junction Mt. Luho.
Meantime, the DPWH is hastening the construction of the ₱50-million, 2-lane, 6-meter wide carriageway that will complete the whole stretch of Boracay Circumferencial Road.
ARD Fruto said that this project would help reduce traffic congestion along the main thoroughfare; reduce travel time from Jetty port to various areas in the island, vice versa; and promote a comfortable, safe and convenient travel.
“By completing the gap, the backdoor route of the circumferential road will be optimized, likewise serving as the logistics corridor for transport/delivery vehicles to ply in and out of the piers,” Fruto said