• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed P12-billion tunnel road that would connect Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental to Tayasan, Negros Oriental is now being explored.
Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson said on Wednesday (June 25) there is an ongoing discussion with an international firm for the implementation of the big-ticket infrastructure project.
“The proposed project is expected to reduce travel time and complement existing roadwork by the Department of Public Works and Highways in the same corridor,” he said.
Tongson added that an upland expressway is now in the pipeline – an alternative route meant to cut through Himamaylan interior barangays and link directly to the long-stalled Kabankalan Domestic Airport, which has remained unfinished for more than 15 years.
Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said earlier that five local government units, including Himamaylan City, straddle six others on the Negros Oriental side.
He added that opening up more roads that will connect Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental will bring more progress, especially in insurgency-affected areas, citing gateways between La Castellana and Canlaon City, Isabela and Guihulngan City, and Himamaylan City and Tayasan City.
Tongson, who took his oath for his final term before Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Wednesday, said his administration will also focus on port development, strengthening of all city government agencies, and ensuring inclusive and balanced development.
Projects included are the completion of the city’s commercial port by the end of 2025 and the construction of a coliseum and an auditorium.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Tongson shared that the city is working with Philtower Corp. 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. | GB
