The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is studying how to widen the road spanning across the man-made forest in Bilar and Loboc where cutting trees is prohibited.
Engineer Teofino Baghucan of the 3rd Engineering District said that they will not be able to implement the widening project due to the environment department’s recent order banning the cutting of trees in each side of the said segment of the national road.
The Bohol man-made forest is part of the 10,000-hectare Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape.
On Thursday’s Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, Baghucan told Gov. Edgar Chatto that the DPWH is mulling to build a riprap along the cliff area of the forest.
Further plans, however, remain unclear.
The issue had already been tackled by the Sangguniang Panalalwigan when 3rd District Board Member Elpidio Jala noted the hazards of travelling along the narrow two-lane road.
Jala said that some of his foreigner guests also pointed out the possible dangers in the winding road where tourists usually stop by to take photos.
For his part, Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio told the public during last week’s “Kita ug ang Gobernador†radio program that motorists travelling to Chocolate Hills in Carmen can pass through the Balilihan-Hanopol-Batuan road.
He said that the road project in the said area is already nearing completion. (Rey Tutas)
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