BALANGA CITY – The new governor of Bataan on Monday announced a proposal to create a local version of the Metro Manila Development Authority that will have jurisdiction over national roads in the province like the Roman Expressway.
Gov. Albert Garcia said the new entity will be named the Bataan Development Authority (BDA) that will see to it that travel along the expressway will be safe and convenient.
The Roman Expressway spans from Hermosa passing through the back portions of the towns of Orani, Samal, Abucay, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles and the City of Balanga.
“Dapat ligtas at convenient ang biyahe at hindi magbara ang expressway para hindi masakal ang economic growth,” the former congressman said.
Garcia said BDA will tap the services and full cooperation of various agencies of government in instilling safety and convenience of travel.
Passing through the expressway are oil and liquefied petroleum gas tankers, container vans, cargo trucks and all other kinds of vehicles that transact business with more than 60 multinational firms at the Freeport Area of Bataan and the Petrochemical Park in Mariveles, the Petron Bataan Refinery and other companies in Limay and other firms along the long stretch of the highway.
The new governor compared the expressway to the main artery of the human heart. “Very vital ito kaya dapat may isang in-charge na tututok dito para lalong madagdagan ang economic competitiveness ng Bataan,” he said.
The planned agency will look after illegal structures, illegal parking of big container vans and oil and LPG tankers, lighting and maintenance of peace and order along the highway.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na bukod sa mabilis na daanan ng mga turista at local commuters, ito ang trade route ng Bataan,” Garcia said.
The governor spelled out his programs in what he termed as his first encounter with the sangguniang panlalawigan with all department heads of the provincial government in attendance.
“Pagtibayin natin ang pagkakaisa para sa lalo pang progreso ng ating lalawigan,” Garcia asked the provincial lawmakers.
Vice-Gov. Efren Pascual, Jr. presided over the SP’s first session after the May 13 elections.
