Bacolod City – A construction of a proposed P12 billion tunnel that would connect Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, to Tayasan, Negros Oriental is currently being studied.
Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson disclosed that there are ongoing discussions with an international firm for what would be a big ticket infrastructure project.
The proposed project, Tongson said, is expected to reduce travel time and complement existing roads built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the same corridor.
He also touted an upland expressway that is now in the pipeline – an alternative route meant to cut through Himamaylan interior barangays and link directly to long-delayed Kabankalan Domestic Airport, a project which has remained unfinished for more than 15 years.
Representative Dino Yulo earlier disclosed that five local government units, including Himamaylan City, in the 5th district of Negros Occidental straddle six LGUs on the Negros Oriental side.
Opening up more roads that will connect Negros Occidental and Oriental will bring more progress, especially in insurgency hit areas, citing the gateways between La Castellana and Canlaon City, Isabela and Guihulngan City, and Himamaylan City and Tayasan City.
Tongson, who took his oath as mayor of Himamaylan City, before Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson recently, said his administration will also focus on port development, and strengthening of all city government agencies, to ensure inclusive and balanced development.
These include the completion of the city’s commercial port by the end of 2025, and the construction of a coliseum and auditorium, he added.
Tongson also shared that the city is working with Philtower Corporation to improve mobile connectivity in underserved barangays, aiming to address persistent signal issues.
He said Philtower has started mapping potential sites across the city as part of its preparatory work and eyes to begin operations in Himamaylan within one to two years.
Before his third term as mayor of Himamaylan City ends in 2028, Tongson said he wants to leave behind lasting projects that will benefit Himamaylanons for years to come. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)