Development of a boulevard named after President Cory Aquino by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Camarines Norte is seen to support the ecotourism industry in Bicol Region.
“We are currently implementing the construction and improvement of newly converted national road, the President Cory Aquino Boulevard, which will serve as an access road to various tourism destinations in the province of Camarines Norte,” said DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson.
Five (5) contracts are being undertaken by DPWH Region 5 along the Pres. Cory Aquino Blvd., which will be the longest boulevard in the country when completed at approximately 8.7 kilometers, stretching the towns of Daet, Mercedes to Talisay in Camarines Norte.
The projects include the rehabilitation/improvement/construction of San Jose Section in the municipality of Talisay, the Bagasbas Section in Daet, the Mercedes-Bagasbas Road, and the construction of two (2) other bridges.
To date, DPWH has accomplished 58% of the programmed projects, completing 5.017 kilometers out of the 8.657 kilometers Pres. Cory Aquino Blvd with the remaining sections proposed for future funding in the amount of P265 million to include the construction of two (2) bridges.
The boulevard covers the area declared as a tourism destination by the Department of Tourism (DOT), as it is situated along the fine shores of Bagasbas Beach with a wide boardwalk cast from red semi adobe bricks intended for tourists view deck.
When completed, Pres. Cory Aquino Blvd. would further lead local and international visitors to: Calaguas Island in the town of Vinzons, the number one beach destination in Camarines Norte; Bagasbas Beach in Daet, the province’s surfing and kite spot; and to the town of Mercedes, dubbed as the “Fish Bowl Capital” of Bicol.
The construction and improvement of Pres. Cory Aquino Blvd. is under the DOT-DPWH Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access, which aims to establish mutual cooperation to jointly undertake the identification, evaluation, prioritization and implementation of tourism infrastructures in declared tourism destinations