CARIGARA, Leyte- The Second Leyte Engineering District (2nd LED) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be pouring in P131 million in funds for two major tourism road projects in the area this year on its bid to help shore up tourism activities in the area.
District Engineer Carlos Veloso said tourists could expect better roads towards new tourist sites in Leyte’s second district with the construction of more access roads, particularly in the towns of La Paz and Jaro.
In Jaro, their office is to construct roads leading to the Villaconzoilo Agri and Eco-Tourism Farm and Silawa Falls, both located in Barangay Villaconzoilo. The project would cost P85 million.
Villaconzoilo, an upland barangay seven kilometers from the town proper, is offering farm tourism and is fast becoming a favored tourist destination among locals and foreigners.
Through the farmers’ organization here, Villa Conzoilo Community Association (VCA), it produces high-value crops, including lettuce, broccoli, carrots, cauliflowers, rambutan, radish, asparagus, grapes and strawberries which are sold in shopping malls and hotels in the region.
The village, with a population of almost 400, is near Mount Amandewing or the Alto Peak, considered the highest point of the province and endowed with natural wonders and pristine, unspoiled environment.
On the other hand, Silawa Falls is nature’s jewel hemmed beside cloud-capped mountain ranges. Wild animals roam its surrounding forest, making it a hunter’s paradise and home of endangered species both flora and fauna including insects, butterflies, deer, wild boar, monkeys and other different types of birds from the Central Amandewing mountain ranges.
Another tourism road project in the pipeline this year is the access road that will be constructed and improved leading to Calabato Hot Spring in Lapaz town which will cost P46 million.
The Calabato Hot Spring lies deep within the quiet town of La Paz. Untouched and still undeveloped, few venture to explore the rough terrains going to the spring.
A regular trek usually takes some 4-6 hours starting from the town proper which deters tourist from coming. Paving the road is seen to increase tourists and visitors to enjoy Calabato’s natural beauty in all its roughness.
Engr. Veloso said that road infrastructure is important so tourists could easily visit destinations that are located far from the town of city centers.
Veloso vowed to aggressively implement infrastructure projects geared toward bringing livelihood and development to the countryside.
The DPWH has secured the backing of the national government in funding tourism support programs which would allow local communities who are dependent on tourism, to earn more income.
(AHLETTE C. REYES)
