Ilagan–Divilacan Road

The Ilagan–Divilacan Road is one of the infrastructural components being considered for building that would connect the city of Ilagan with the coastal town of Divilacan, both located in the province of Isabela. The road stretches approximately 82 kilometers through the Sierra Madre mountain range, giving better access to the remote towns in the province of Isabela, eastern coast. The road will be important for enhancing transportation and economic opportunities in the area and with regard to the access of goods and services to otherwise isolated areas.

Ilagan–Divilacan Road
Route information
Length	82.004 km (50.955 mi)
Major junctions
West end	Sindin Bayabo in Ilagan City, Isabela
East end	Dicatian in Divilacan, Isabela
Location
Country	Philippines
Major cities	Ilagan City
Towns	Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan
Highway system
Roads in the Philippines Highways Expressways List

It will give better access to tourist destinations like the beaches of Divilacan and the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. Although it is meant to offer some benefits, the building of the Ilagan–Divilacan Road poses environmental issues, especially in terms of biodiversity, as an impact of its construction.

This road project was undertaken by the government as part of its efforts to promote development in remote areas and has received praise for its economic impacts and criticism regarding its environmental footprint.

History

Construction of the Ilagan–Divilacan Road was part of a large-scale movement intended to improve access to remote areas in the province of Isabela, particularly the coastal town of Divilacan, which is accessible only by boat or plane. It was initiated in order to facilitate economic development, tourism, as well as augment mobility among its residents, who reside in one of the most isolated communities. The road is an estimated length of about 82 kilometers and cuts through the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The project was launched under the administration of Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III, and it is supported by the national government. The major parts of the initial construction phases did face serious issues due to the rugged terrain and significant areas of dense forest, requiring extensive land clearing and significant engineering work. It was initially conceived as a road to serve as an access from the city of Ilagan-Divilacan landlocked city-to the coast town of Divilacan, hence opening coastal towns in the eastern seaboard for economic development and ensuring easier access to services: health and education.

Particularly, the construction of the road was said to have ecological concerns in that it might affect the Sierra Madre, one of the large untouched forested areas in the Philippines. Some environmental organizations expressed their concerns on issues such as deforestation and habitat destruction. However, these were all ignored because construction just went about its way with section after section of the road opening.

Currently, the Ilagan–Divilacan Road has evolved into one of the important roads for locals and tourists to link isolated coastal towns in the rest of the province. Nonetheless, discussions regarding the balance between environmental protection and development are continuously evolving processes.