DPWH paves road leading to sacred tourism spot in Iloilo

THE sacred shrine confined in a cave in Mount Salihid in Brgy. Bungca-Suhuton, Barotac Nuevo, is becoming one of the most visited tourist destinations in the central part of Iloilo, especially during Holy Week, where multitudes of devotees go for pilgrimage.

Mount Salihid attracts tourists, hikers and pilgrims, because of the vibrant colors of green that dominate its surroundings and the lush vegetation environing the whole mountain, as well as the blazing glow of the sun that gleamed in a magnificent flourish of ribbon-like fire view from its top.

To further promote tourism in the community, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office is providing a better road for the safety and convenience of the tourists as and the people in the community.

District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the road project involves the concreting of 984-meter Bungca-Suhoton road leading to Mt. Salihid Shrine, which costs P16.757 million, is expected to be completed in September this year.

“We are undertaking this road project in convergence with the Department of Tourism (the one responsible for the identification of the various tourism roads in various areas within our jurisdiction), with the aim to implement road infrastructure projects that will help boost tourism industry in the province,” Oropel said.

“Transport infrastructure improvement is one of the goals of our Department, playing a crucial role in tourism development, generating visitors to various tourism zones in the country,” he added.

Oropel also said the improvement of transport infrastructure will make these hidden wonders and beautiful tourism destinations more accessible to tourists and the public in general.

“Because of this well-constructed road, more people can enjoy a seamless and fast travel along the highways and by-ways leading to beautiful gems like the Mt. Salihid Shrine in Barotac Nuevo. Travelers can now hit the road and embark on this hassle-free yet exhilarating journey,” he stressed. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)