The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the widening of an access road leading to Bandera Hills in Barangay Basak, San Jose, and reconstruction along Dumaguete North Road in Barangay Polo, Tanjay City, in the province of Negros Oriental.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Regional Office 7 Director Danilo J. Villa Jr. said that the additional 1.5-meter road space along the 800-meter mountainous section of San Jose now provides tourists with a convenient and safer route to the peak of the Bandera Hills.
Prior to the project’s completion, tourists often experienced difficulty in reaching the peak due to the steep and unsafe pavement while driving uphill.
Tourism activity is also seen to boost following the widening of the access road leading to Bandera Hills—highlighting the breathtaking view of neighboring municipalities and Cebu Island across Tañon Strait.
Furthermore, a road rehabilitation project along the section of Dumaguete North Road connecting Amlan and Tanjay City was completed to address damaged pavement caused by the natural settlement of the base soil.
The rehabilitation activities include concrete re-blocking, asphalt overlaying, and installation of thermoplastic pavement markings and solar studs to improve road safety, especially at night.
Funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, the road widening project in San Jose and the road improvement project in Tanjay City were completed in the amount of P24.50-million and P49-million, respectively.
The two (2) road improvement projects now provide more resilient infrastructure that improves tourism, livelihood, and quality of life of residents.