CITY OF KORONADAL, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The completion of a number of road projects improved access and connectivity to tourism gateways in the Soccsksargen region, a Department of Tourism official said.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, DOT 12 officer-in-charge Armin Hautea said since 2015, funds were allocated for the construction, improvement, and upgrading of roads leading to tourism destinations in different provinces under the flagship Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP), a convergence initiative of the DOT and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
A report from the DPWH shows that about 58.048 kilometers of roads under TRIP have already been completed as of July 2022 and 129.635kms more are scheduled for completion this year and in 2023.
Hautea said these projects allow faster, safer, and easier travel in the area.
“It is important because it’s not only tourism or tourists who will benefit sa infrastructure project natin, but also farmers nadadala na nila ng maayos ang kanilang products sa market,” the official added.
Projects funded under TRIP include construction and concreting of roads in major, as well as emerging tourist sites in Lake Sebu, Tboli, Tupi, Polomolok and Surallah in South Cotabato; Lebak, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Esperanza and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat; Alamada, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Midsayap, Libungan, Makilala, Kabacan, Magpet, Arakan, M’lang and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato; and Maitum, Alabel, Maasim and Malungon in Sarangani.
According to Argie Ryan Asaria, South Cotabato tourism officer, TRIP is one of the reasons for the influx of tourists in the province.
“There is a significant increase in terms of our tourist arrivals. The comfort and accessibility in these sites are big factors in attracting the tourists,” Asaria said in a video released by DOT 12.
Meanwhile, DPWH 12 Asst. Regional Director Engr. Rosie Javate said that DPWH will continue to implement road improvement initiatives in order to provide better transportation network in the region.
“DPWH, as the construction and engineering arm of the government will continue to develop vital infra projects that will boost the economy, create jobs and develops culture in many areas,” she added. (PIA XII)
