Consultation starts on P 5.9-B Dalton Pass project

Includes transfer of remains from burial grounds

By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo

Saturday 16th of June 2012

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, June 16 (PIA) -- Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH) have started to consult various sectors who will be affected by the opening and construction of the Dalton Pass Alternate Road Project (DPARP) here.

Representative Carlos Padilla said the consultation was conducted last June 14 at the Nueva Vizcaya State University(NVSU) in this town.
The 68–kilometer project which will also entail the construction of a 900-meter tunnel along the mountains of Nueva Vizcaya’s southern part, requiring the national government of P5.9 billion funding requirements.

Padilla said some of the major issues raised by the affected tribes, particularly Kalanguya are the possible transfer of the remains of their relatives buried within their traditional burial grounds and the dumping site of their extracted soil during the construction phase of the alteranate road project.

“These are valid issues and concerns that need to be addressed by the DPWH and we are glad because they took note of these so that they will be included on their overall all plan on how to go about the project without disrespecting the rights of the indigenous people,” he said.

The DPARP was conceived to provide alternate route for commuters coming in and out of Cagayan Valley as the Dalton Pass area in Sta. Fe town has been perennially beset with traffic problems or road blocks caused by vehicular accidents and landsliides.
The construction of an alternate route has been the clamor of various sectors in Cagayan Valley. (BME-PIA 2, Nueva Vizcaya)