The completed upgrading by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of a road leading to a major tourist destination in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija is expected to ease access for visitors and increase tourist arrivals.

The road reconstruction project – the reblocking of the 1.3-km. local road between barangays Las Piñas and Sinasajan in Peñaranda town – is under a convergence program of the DPWH and the Department of Tourism.

With a total budget of PHP19.6 million, the project covers the access road leading to Minalungao National Park, 2nd District Engineering Office chief, Elpidio Trinidad said in his report on Friday.

The park is a protected area that covers 2,018 hectares of land centered along the scenic Peñaranda River and bordered on both sides by up to 16-meter-high limestone walls in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The park is promoted by the local government as an ecotourism destination, offering a breathtaking scenery of a pristine river and unique rock formations.

“Poor road conditions not only restrict travel but also result in additional costs for local businesses, and although the park is temporarily closed to the public, we anticipate a surge in visitors upon its reopening,” Trinidad said.

He reiterated the DPWH’s commitment to prioritizing the planning of infrastructure projects that will help improve tourism access. (PNA)