The construction of the 40.69-kilometer Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway that is seen to open more economic opportunities in Bicol Region is now ongoing.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar made the statement, citing that the ongoing project which is envisioned to cut travel time in by traversing five (5) municipalities in the province has so far received an allocation of P405.6 million from 2018-2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
"To date, the project has 2.06 percent accomplishment rate. It will be implemented as a multi-year project with its total projected cost of P14.97 Billion," said Secretary Villar.
The coastal road project with 13 bridge components will traverse the municipalities of Pasacao, San Fernando, Minalabac, Bula, and Balatan, and 15 barangays, namely: San Cirilo, Balogo, Bical, Gñaran, Pinamasagan, Cotmo, Bagolatao, San Antonio, Salingogon, Hamoraon, Itangon, Caorasan, Camanghan, Pararao, and Luluasan.
“With this project, we aim to promote ecotourism in Camarines Sur which will help boost the economy of the Region”, added Secretary Villar.
When completed, travel time between Pasacao and Balatan will be reduced from two (2) hours and 12 minutes to only 41 minutes, improving traffic condition for more than 4,000 travelers per day.
Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway is a flagship project under the Build, Build, Build program with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).