The RDC 2-Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) approved two resolutions during its 1st Quarter regular business meeting held on February 13, 2018 at the NEDA-RDC2 Building in Tuguegarao City.

Chaired by Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba, the IDC favorably endorsed the following resolutions to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 2 for its subsequent approval: the re-opening of the Port of Aparri and the proposed conversion of the Lasam-Sto.Niño-Piat Road via Barangays Tammucco and Namuccayan from a provincial to a national road.

The proposed re-opening of the Aparri Port is beneficial not only to the Municipality of Aparri but also to the region, given its huge impact on spurring economic activity and potential trading activities. This will likewise serve as a catalyst in unlocking the region’s potential as a major transshipment facility, thereby realizing the region’s development potential as an agro-industrial and tourism hub. Moreover, the DPWH proposed for the construction of an alternate access road which will make the Port of Aparri more viable and attractive for public and private investments, in view of the ongoing efforts for its redevelopment and revitalization.

On the other hand, the proposed road to be converted to a national road traverses three (3) municipalities in the western part of Cagayan. Its conversion will greatly improve inter and intra connectivity of underserved areas of the province to major economic outposts to fast track development. The proposal will likewise benefit a number of pilgrims of Our Lady of Piat Basilica Minore coming from the northern and western part of Cagayan. The conversion of the proposed road connection is a necessary step in ensuring budget allocation for its upgrading and regular maintenance.

During the meeting, other development concerns were also discussed such as the proposed “No Parking Policy along Major Thoroughfares of the Province of Cagayan” and the cutting of trees to facilitate rescue and relief operations during typhoons and other calamities.