DPWH breaks ground for new San Manuel-Itogon road, linking Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region

San Nicolas, Pangasinan — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has broken ground on the San Manuel (Pangasinan)-Itogon (Benguet) Road, which is expected to provide a faster, shorter, and more affordable transport system for travelers heading to and from Region 1 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The project, which has an estimated total cost of P1.915 billion, is an inter-linking Regional Project connecting several towns in Pangasinan and Benguet provinces.

Senator Imee Marcos led the ceremonial groundbreaking activity in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, and said that the project is a dream of her late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, aimed at improving trading and business activities in Regions 1, 2, and CAR. The senator added that the construction will also benefit the mountains of Pangasinan, Benguet, and Baguio by promoting tourism in the area.

DPWH-I Regional Director Ronnel M. Tan stated that the project is expected to enhance future economic activities between Ilocos Provinces and Benguet Province, as well as the whole of Regions 1 and CAR, by providing a shorter, faster, and cheaper transport system. The construction, which has an estimated length of 46.5 kilometers across Region I, Region II, and CAR, will include road opening and concreting of two-lane PCCP, drainage, slope protection works, and road safety facilities, as well as the construction of two 360 and 350 lineal meter bridges and the acquisition of road right-of-way.

In Region 1, the project starts at Barangay Guiset Norte, San Manuel, and ends at Brgy. Fianza, San Nicolas, with an estimated length of 37.736km and a carriageway width of 6.7m and thickness of 0.28m. The project is expected to provide a more efficient and cost-effective transport system for the public and promote economic development in the regions.