VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The “Build, Better, More” program of the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has reached the residents of upland communities in Ilocos Sur, Abra, and Mountain Province as they are seen to benefit from various infrastructure projects completed and will be constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This after the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Cervantes–Quirino (Ilocos Sur)–Abra road and partial inauguration for the construction of Cervantes (Ilocos Sur)–Besao-Sagada (Mountain Province) road were conducted on March 28 at barangay Patungcaleo in Quirino, Ilocos Sur.

According to the DPWH, the Cervantes–Quirino (Ilocos Sur)–Abra Road has an estimated length of over 5.5km, which includes the construction of a Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road and the construction of two bridges.

Once completed, the road will connect the missing gap between the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra going to Baguio City and Mountain Province.

Quirino Mayor Allen Nimo, Jr. expressed his excitement and gratitude after their dream has become a reality after a long time.

“Daytoy ket tagtagainep dagiti nagannaktayo idi un-unana, ket datayo nga annakda, datayo ti mangsagrap ti pannakatungpal dagitoy a tagtagainep. Awan iti sabali nga inkami iyebkas no saan nga iti naimpusuan a panagyaman iti gobyerno. Maysa nga aldaw a nakaragragsak, aldaw a nakagasgasat, ken aldaw a nakaranraniag para kadatayo a sibubukel a taga-Quirino ta iti daytoy a gundaway witnessantayon ti partial inauguration ti Cervantes–Quirino (Ilocos Sur)–Abra Road (This has been the longtime dream of our ancestors. Now, us, their great grandchildren shall witness the realization of such dream. We have nothing to say but our heartfelt appreciation to the government. This is a day of happiness, blessing and prosperity for us Quirinians as we witness the partial inauguration of the Cervantes–Quirino (Ilocos Sur)–Abra Road),” Nimo said.

Cervantes Mayor Benjamin Maggay, Jr. said, “Makatutulong talaga ito not only here in Quirino but also in Cervantes kasi ganyan naman talaga ang developmemt, nago-overflow per bayan. Maraming salamat sa aming mga officials noon at ngayon ng Ilocos Sur, lalo na ang DPWH kasi hindi niyo kinalimutan ang Quirino at Cervantes with regards to planning and considering iyong mga proposals namin dito para marealize natin at magkatotoo iyong mga panaginip namin o pangarap namin/natin. Asahan niyo na lagi kaming available na makipagtulungan sa lahat ng national government agency para madevelop at ma-improve at maipatamasa natin ang kaayusan, katahimikan, at katiwasayan sa ating mga kababayan sa upland.”

"Moreover, the construction of the Cervantes (Ilocos Sur)–Besao-Sagada (Mountain Province) road will connect the towns of Quirino and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, and Besao and Sagada, Mountain Province will enhance trading and business activities between the Ilocos Provinces and Benguet Province as well as the whole of Regions I and CAR," according to DPWH Regional Director Ronnel Tan.

"It is expected to stimulate future economic activities in the area by providing a shorter, faster, and cheaper transport system," he added.

“Kompleto ito – isang tulay tapos na, itong mga kalsada at isa na namang tulay, ipagpapatuloy natin para kumpleto na ang ating mga kalye. Tayong lahat ay makakadaan at makakapasyal na nang mas maayos at mas mabilis hanggang sa Mountain Province, Abra, at Ilocos Sur. Pagandahin natin, maghanapbuhay po tayo at sama-sama tayong umangat, umunlad at bumangon,” said Senator Imee Marcos who served as the Special Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)