DIVILACAN, Isabela: Residents of Isabela province’s coastal towns urged the government to fast track the opening of the proposed Ilagan-Divilacan road network linking far-flung communities to the mainland.

Mayor Venturito Bulan of Divilacan, Isabela and Vice Mayor Jolly Taberner of Maconacon town both want the immediate opening of the road access, which, they believe, will bring opportunities to the coastal towns.

Bulan stated that the coastal towns, to include Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan and Dinapigue possess natural resources, especially its white sand beaches, beautiful islands, natural spots and marine resources, that can be showcased as tourist attractions.

Judith dela Cruz, Divilacan social welfare officer, said that the road network will shorten and lessen the risks of transportation from the coastal towns to the mainland. The only means of transportation is by plane and boat, which are very risky, especially during the rainy season.

Dela Cruz added that most of the sick are not brought to a hospital because transport was unreliable. They have rural health units, but in case of emergencies, there is no other means of bringing patients to a hospital.

 “We are really praying for the road network opening as we believe it helps us a lot and will bring opportunities to people here to uplift our living status and our economy as well,” dela Cruz said.

In 2010, when typhoon Juan swept the area, all coastal towns were isolated; government services, such as the relief operation and other assistance, were delayed because of the problems in accessibility.

The proposed Ilagan-Divilacan road was a controversial issue when some officials, especially non-government organizations, opposed the road opening because of the issue of environmental destruction.

However, in the latest Regional Development Council’s meeting, the proponent, which is the local government unit of Isabela, clarified that the road development project will not destroy the forest and the mountains as they will only rehabilitate the former logging road to connect mainland Isabela to its coastal towns.