On goes ‘Daang Katutubo’ access road to benefit indigenous community in Pangasinan

September 21, 2020 Environment

PHOTO CAPTION: ACCESS ROAD. The on-going access road that measures about 26.31 kms. leading to Mapita Tribal Community and View Deck to Nayong Aguilar or also known as ‘Daang Katutubo’ at Barangay Laoag, Aguilar, Pangasinan. Photo courtesy – DPWH-R1

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Department of Public Works and Highways Region 1 here reported Thursday (Sept. 10, 2020) the on-going access road leading to Mapita Tribal Community and View Deck to Nayong Aguilar or also known as ‘Daang Katutubo’ at Barangay Laoag, Aguilar, Pangasinan.
This access road measures about 26.31 kilometers and has total project cost of Php. 1.564 Billion from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and expected to be finished by the year 2024.
It will benefit the indigenous cultural community whose source of living is mostly on farming.
It also involves the construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road, Prestressed Bridge, drainage, slope protection, pavement markings, and road safety facilities.
The tribal community is composed of Kankanaey, Bago, and Ibaloi groups from Bugyas, Benguet.
The road will be able to help them make the transportation of their crops and products, to the local market faster. An Ylang-Ylang plantation is also located in the area and managed by the community through their indigenous ways and means.
The road will aid to easier access to the plantation and the view deck to Nayong Aguilar. To date the project has a 70% accomplishment. The access road will also boost tourism and pave the way for the plans on developing the area as a world-class agritourism destination.
Tourists will be able to not just reach their desired destinations faster but also be able to have a glance of the majestic view of the environment surrounding the road.
Erwin Beleo/ABN