Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said going to the Historical Tirad Pass Shrine in Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur, is now easier through a newly-completed tourism road project of the DPWH Ilocos Sur 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO).
According to Secretary Villar, one (1) kilometer of road was constructed and improved along Cervantes-Sigay Ilocos Sur Road passing Barangay Libang, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur to provide easier access to tourists heading to Tirad Pass which is a significant place in Philippine history.
“We allocated a total of P18.87 million to complete the project involving stone masonry, concrete pavement, curb and gutter and reinforced concrete pipe culverts, transforming the once gravel road into a safer 2-lane concrete road,” said Secretary Villar.
To reach Tirad Pass, tourists must then take Santiago-Bannayoyo-Lidlidda San Emilio Road; Candon-Galimuyod-Salcedo-Del Pilar Road or Tagudin-Suyo-Sigay-Del Pilar Road in the province of Ilocos Sur..
Tirad Pass is declared as a National Shrine, having been the site of the 1899 Battle of Tirad Pass between the 60-man Filipino rear guard commanded by Brigadier General Gregorio del Pilar and more than 500 American soldiers.