TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) has proposed to the Committee on Infrastructure Development of the Regional Development Council (RDC2-IDC) better road networks going to the famous Sinago Cove, Pananacpan White Beach and Alegan Lighthouse in Santa Ana town in this province.

During its 2nd Regular Business Meeting held on June 7 at Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park, Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya, Cir Rodney C. Cacatian, department manager for Management Services of CEZA along with Engr. Avelino T. Natividad, division manager A for Environmental Management, presented and identified five proposed road networks with a total estimated project cost of P2,640,000,000. The two officials represented Sec. Raul L. Lambino, administrator and chief executive officer of CEZA.

The first three proposed road networks are: Pozo-Robo-Sinago Road with a total length of 20 kilometers and has an estimated project cost P800,000,000; Pananacpan Road with a total length of 6 kilometers and has an estimated project cost of P240,000,000; and Alegan Road with a total length of 9 kilometers and has an estimated project cost of P360,000,000.

The proposed projects will ensure faster and easier access to rural areas, continuous and safer connectivity, and transport of people, goods, and services as well as support agricultural, commercial, industrial, tourism, and other socio-economic within the project road’s influence area, thereby maximizing the full potential of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) and uplifting the economic growth of Santa Ana and the Cagayan Valley Region.

The two other proposed road networks are: Road Connecting Port Irene District with a total length of 22 kilometers and has an estimated project cost of P880,000,000; and Road Connecting Centro District with a total length of 9 kilometers and has an estimated project cost of P360,000,000. The said two projects were recommended of possible funding under the Project Development Assistance Committee (PDAC) through official development assistance (ODA) in the future.

Cacatian said the five proposed road networks embedded in the CEZA Master Development Plan will complement other development initiatives within the CSEZFP.

In response, the committee through its chairperson, Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla has recommended for National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to create a Technical Working Group (TWG), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, to further review and consider the said projects.

NEDA Regional Director Dionisio Ledres has also recommended for the possible alignment of the said proposed road networks along the eastern part with the proposed Eastern Seaboard Pacific Highway. (MDCT/With reports from CEZA/PIA Cagayan)