TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- Following its declaration as insurgency-free towns, three coastal and remote municipalities of Isabela are expecting a development influx soon. 

The towns of Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan were recently declared free from the control and intrusion of communist rebel groups through a joint resolution of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and their respective Peace and Order Councils.

Palanan Mayor Angelo Bernardo said peace and order in the community will pave the way to more opportunities for local economic growth. 

He also emphasized that a peaceful town will encourage visitors and investments, which are vital toward economic and livelihood development. 

“Palanan is a distant place and is not as accessible as other tourist destinations, but when developments come in to include road networks and other facilities, Palanan will be one of the best places to visit,” the mayor said. 

He also expressed his gratitude to the different government agencies, organizations, local officials, and his constituents for their support and contributions that led to the declaration of the town as insurgency-free. 

On the other hand, Mayor Rolly Quebral of Maconacon said they are now looking forward to more infrastructure projects to be poured into their town, especially accessibility roads and bridges, farm-to-market roads, the installation of telecommunication networks for better internet connectivity, and other development projects that will improve the living status of the people of Maconacon.

 Recently, various government agencies brought in services in the three coastal municipalities, including medical, social, and legal services. 

The coastal municipalities are located on the eastern coast of the Sierra Madre and are only accessible by airplane or ferry boats. (OTB/GVB PIA Region 2)