The road project will be an all-weather type regional highway network system linking major economic and administrative centers, and tourism destinations in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
President Arroyo gave the go-signal for the project upon urgings by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and governors in Northern Luzon.
Presidential Assistant for Luzon Dr. Enrie Mendoza said that the highway development will be a big boost to the economic development and tourism program of the said provinces since this will shorten the travel time and will enable the people here to market their products faster and easier.
The project area will cover the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Apayao, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Isabela, La Union, Benguet, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino and Aurora.
Rep. Eric Singson of the second district of Ilocos Sur, said that a total of P1.6 billion would be needed to complete the project.
He said that the project would be under the Office of the Development Assistant and will be funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The President and other top government officials were in this town to celebrate the birthday of former Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, who ignited the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada that led to the installation of Mrs. Arroyo in Malacañang. — Myds Supna