TARLAC CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- Construction of the 36.925-kilometer access road that will connect the towns of San Jose in Tarlac and Palauig in Zambales is in full swing.

During an onsite inspection, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Tarlac 1st District Engineer Erelina Santos told Tarlac 2nd district representative Victor Yap that the PhP2.34 billion project is seen to hasten travel and commerce between the two provinces that will particularly benefit the tourism industry.

"This is a multi-year project segmented into phases. It received its initial budget of PhP600 million at the start of construction of the Tarlac side in 2018 which has posted 100% accomplishment," Santos explained.

Moreover, second tranche of PhP200 million fund for 2019 has posted 70% rate of completion. PhP770 million, on the other hand, has been allotted for the third tranche for 2020 for the continuation of the construction of the Tarlac side. The fourth tranche and fifth tranche funding will be released in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

During the site visit, Yap expressed satisfaction over the quality and accomplishment of the project.

"I commend the DPWH Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office for this project. Our infrastructures have greatly helped Tarlac restore its greatness as a province economically and will boost self-sufficiency as these projects have been providing jobs to our local laborers. Of course, quality roads provide access to foreign and local tourists so we look forward to building more infrastructure projects in partnership with DPWH Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office," the legislator said.

In a statement, DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino emphasized that the pursuit and completion of infrastructure projects is a great boost to the country's economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 health crisis. (CLJD-PIA 3)