P12-B tunnel linking Himamaylan City to Tayasan, Negros Oriental proposed
BACOLOD CITY – A P12-billion tunnel connecting Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental to Tayasan town in Negros Oriental has been proposed to create a shorter route between the two provinces.
HIMAMAYLAN City, Negros Occidental Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. (standing) discusses the proposed P12-billion tunnel that would connect Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental to Tayasan town in Negros Oriental. (Photo via Mayor Raymund Tongson FB)
Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. announced the plan after taking his oath for his third and final term, alongside newly elected city councilors, in a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol here on Wednesday, June 25.
The event was officiated by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Tongson said discussions are underway with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding the project, which is expected to complement the ongoing Carabalan-Tayasan road project.
“This is a special project of the city, in partnership with NEDA and an international firm,” Tongson said.
An upland expressway project is also in the pipeline.
This alternative route will traverse interior barangays of Himamaylan City and connect directly to the long-stalled Kabankalan Domestic Airport project which has remained incomplete for over 15 years.
Tongson emphasized infrastructure and development priorities for his final term, including the completion of the city’s commercial port by the end of this year, construction of a coliseum and auditorium, and strengthening of city government agencies to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
To address poor mobile connectivity in remote barangays, Tongson said the city is partnering with Philtower Corp., which has started scouting locations for new cell towers.
Operations are expected to begin within one to two years, he added.
Tongson expressed commitment to making a lasting impact during his final term. “We’re exhausting everything to maximize outputs for the next three years,” he said.