Rivers and mountains

JUST recently the Department of Public Works and Highways are promoting the use of the Tubao San Pascual-Nangalisan Route to Baguio. This was after DPWH head Villar cut the ribbon on the Anduyan Bridge which they are showcasing the long span and lighted by solar panels. Last year, the first time my husband and I passed that route, the bridge was not done yet so we have to cross the river, praying our engine does not get wet. We enjoyed the scenic view and took photos of the waterfalls and vegetation along the way. We observe several sag curves and crest curves, which could have been improved, but I told my husband it could be that they are trying to make another Zigzag Road and thus the very short turns, even if could have been a longer span in between curves. Saying that, road geometry needs to be appreciated if it were for the safety on the road.

We passed by a series of waterfalls of San Pascual and Nangalisan, passed beside the river and also saw the bridge being constructed leading towards Sablan and the crossroads that will connect the highway to Taloy sur. It is still a work in progress but it is indeed a great network that connects the lowlands to the mountains crossing rivers and mountains. It involves two regions, that of Region one and Cordillera Administrative Region. It is of two provinces, La Union and Benguet and traverses several towns and barangays.

I first saw the solar panels as road lights in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Although this is a technology but now we have it here, harnessing solar for power. This can open possibilities as sources of energy alternatives to hydro power. But cynically my husband says “I hope they do not steal those panels and bring it home.” Oh the criminal mind of the Filipino is as wide as the ocean.

The Ilocos Norte wind power continue to gen- e- mail: mondaxbench@yahoo.com for comments