The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is presently engaged in constructing an access road leading to Pasiagon Beach, Balay na Bato, and Esperanza Sea Port in Masbate province.
According to a report from DPWH Regional Office V Director Virgilio C. Eduarte, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan stated that this ongoing road project is part of the larger initiative to improve the Esperanza-Placer Road. The project is being carried out under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The current undertaking involves building a two-lane concrete road and seawall in the coastal areas of Barangays Masbaranon, Villa, Agoho, Sorosimbahan, and Domorog in the municipality of Esperanza. Subsequently, the project will extend to Barangay Naocondiot and Taboc in the municipality of Placer. The road will serve as a crucial protective barrier against waves for the coastal region.
As of now, the DPWH Masbate 3rd District Engineering Office has completed 89 percent of the tourism road project, which was allocated P144.8 million from the 2023 General Appropriations Act. The target completion date for the project is January 2024.
The Esperanza-Placer Road is an extensive project that commenced in 2016 and spans a total of 51.564 kilometers, stretching from Barangay Poblacion, Esperanza, to Barangay Daan-Lungsod, Placer. So far, the DPWH has completed 15 kilometers of the road since its inception.
DPWH Regional Office V Director Eduarte remarked that once the project is finished, it will significantly enhance access to various tourist destinations in the towns of Placer and Esperanza, ultimately generating more employment and income opportunities for the area.
