Agoncillo, Batangas
29 April 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited the ongoing Lake Taal Circumference Road Project being constructed in Agoncillo, Batangas. The project is part of the Department of Tourism – Department of Public Works and Highways convergence program that will enhance accessibility of local tourist destinations identified under DOT’s Tourism Master Plan.

During the project briefing, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson expressed his confidence that the 4.6-kilometer circumferential road will be completed early September this year while the remaining bridge construction in Boso-Boso is to be completed by June 2014.

“Sa pagbubukas nga ng inyong pinaunlad na circumferential road, binubuksan rin natin ang Batangas sa mas maraming oportunidad, hindi lamang para sa komersyo pero pati na rin sa turismo,” the President said.

With an initial budget allocation of PhP 100 million, the project was able to secure construction cost at only PhP 77 million. The savings of around PhP 23 million will be allocated to finance other construction costs.

Upon completion, the Lake Taal Circumferential Road will connect the Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo municipalities. It will provide a fast and accessible route not only to local tourist hot spots but will also cut down 50% of the travel time of agriculture and maritime product deliveries to different markets.

“Ang sistema po natin: siguraduhing magagawa ang mga proyektong may direktang pakinabang sa mamamayan, sa pinakamabilis, pinakamurang paraan, at sa pamumuno ng mga taong talaga namang mapapagkatiwalaan,” he said.

President Aquino added that he had allotted some PhP 285 million budget for the rehabilitation, construction and improvement of the Taal Circumferential Road and the Taal-Laurel-Agoncillo Road. He also announced that DPWH is set off to begin construction on the Southern Luzon Express Highway this year.

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