Former Public Works chief Mark Villar has pledged to the people of Zambales to push for infrastructure projects that will improve the tourism industry in the province.
The senatorial candidate cited that is perfectly suited for tourists seeking an authentic view of the Philippines without going too far from the national capital, Manila.
Therefore, he said, it would be wise to maximize the potential of Zambales by providing infrastructure projects that will improve tourism, generate more jobs and stimulate the economy.
“Yung Zambales at yung coastline nito ay kilala sa pagkakaroon ng mga sandy beaches, deep blue sea at mga pinoprotektahan natin na mga coral reefs. Yung ganitong klase ng likas na yaman ay sisikapin po nating magamit ng maayos upang buhayin ang turismo, ekonomiya, at makapag bigay pa ng mas maraming trabaho sa mamamayang Pilipino,” Villar said in a statement.
The increase in road connectivity in Central Luzon is expected to improve the net profit to cost ratio of agricultural products, tourism and transform the regional economies of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.
Villar also assured the continuity of the current administration’s Build, Build, Build program of President Rodrigo Duterte, if he wins in this year’s senatorial election.
One of the key accomplishments of the BBB program in Zambales is the Capas-Botolan Bypass Road Project, which involves the construction of 15 bridges. It will serve as a direct link between the provinces of Tarlac and Zambales, and will further provide access to New Clark City. It was 27 percent finished as of June 2021 and is aimed for completion in 2024.
Capas-Botolan Road. PHOTO FROM MARK VILLAR’S OFFICE
Once completed, the normal travel of five hours will be reduced to only two hours.
Another significant project is the 37-kilometer access road that will connect the towns of San Jose in Tarlac and Palauig in Zambales. This is expected to boost the two provinces’ eco-tourism industry and help them recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. It is targeted to be completed and opened to the motoring public by 2022.
Access road that will connect the towns of San Jose in Tarlac and Palauig in Zambales. PHOTO FROM MARK VILLAR’S OFFICE
Identified also for implementation is a 4-lane New Clark City to Tarlac-Zambales Road with 2 bridge components that will be connected to the completed 6.22-kilometer Mac Arthur Highway to New Clark City via Kalangitan Access Road. This will form a continuous road network providing motorists a faster, shorter, and more convenient travel. It was set to finish last 2021, leaving a 0.80-kilometer section that is scheduled to begin construction this year.
New Clark City to Tarlac-Zambales Road. PHOTO FROM MARK VILLAR’S OFFICE
“Maraming salamat po sa suporta ng Zambales sa aking kandidatura sa Senado. Patuloy naming susuportahan ang mga pangunahing imprastraktura sa Zambales, ating pong pagbubutihan sa pagtugon ng pangangailangan ang probinsya,” said Villar.
“Akin pong ipagpapatuloy ang magandang nasimulan ng Build Build Build Program upang makapagbigay ng kabuhayan para sa mga manggagawang Pilipino.”
Villar along with the UniTeam recently visited a crowd at the Zambales Sports Complex on Thursday for their grand rally.
RELATED STORY