Going to the scenic Ticao Island in the province of Masbate will not be as muddy as before.
This after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently completed the 5.97 kilometer tourism road beginning at Barangay Sta. Rosa in the municipality of San Jacinto in Masbate.
“This road will serve as a catalyst in improving the rural economy of Masbate through tourism and easy transport of agricultural products at a lower cost,” said DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.
Archaeology enthusiasts are habitués of Ticao Island as the place possesses thousands of artifacts, most notable among them are the Baybayin-inscribed Rizal Stone, Ticao gold spike teeth, Burial jars of varying designs and sizes, jade beads, human face rock statues and the Ticao petrographs.
Also a favourite spot is the Manta Bowl which is regularly visited by manta rays as the place serves as their ‘cleaning station’.
Corals and rocky outcrops abound within Manta Bowl that serve as home to cleaner wrasse, a type of fish that removes unwanted parasites from these rays as well as much larger species like whale sharks which are seen in the area from November to June.
Meantime, Villar, citing reports from DPWH Region 5 Director Virgilio Eduarte, explained that aside from tourism and agricultural prospects, the project can also be a venue of wellness and fitness activities such as jogging and biking, with captivating sceneries for photography enthusiasts.
