Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado led the inauguration of Boracay Circumferential Road’s third phase, which saw the opening of another newly concreted and widened 1.4-kilometer portion of road.
According to Secretary Mercado, through the P140-million project along the portion of the Boracay Circumferential Road, locals and tourists now find better connection between the island’s two (2) entry/exit points of Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.
The project inauguration held over the weekend was also attended by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Undersecretary Maximo L. Carvajal, Assistant Secretary Wilfredo S. Mallari, DPWH Region 6 Director Tiburcio DL. Canlas, Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, as well as the 16 district engineers and division chiefs of DPWH’s Western Visayas Region.
Implemented by DPWH Regional Office 6, the completed project also involves construction of drainage system, sidewalk with paving blocks, installation of street lights, sprigging, and application of thermoplastic pavement markings.
“The improvement of Boracay Circumferential Road is a manifestation of the determination and political will of President Rodrigo R. Duterte in ensuring that Boracay will remain and be sustained as a prime world tourism destination in the Philippines”, said Secretary Mercado.
The improvement of the 21.6-kilometer Boracay Circumferential Road, with total funding of P1.94 billion, will reduce travel time from the current one (1) hour and 30 minutes to just 40-45 minutes from Ilig-Iligan Beach in Brgy. Yapak in the northeast part of Boracay to Cagban Port in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc in the island’s southern tip.
“Part of the Duterte administration’s long-term program to rehabilitate world famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province, the improvement of the circumferential road has proven that successful road works is possible if there is political will and a whole of government approach”, Secretary Mercado added.