Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday said he has filed bills seeking the conversion of 15 provincial, municipal and city roads into national highways to ensure their maintenance and repair by the national government.

Hataman filed all 15 bills on May 17, including House Bill (HB) 818 seeking to convert the 39.7-kilometer Aguada-Sumagdang-Junction Tairan provincial road in Isabela City into a national road.

He also proposes to convert into national highways the provincial roads in Basilan and the Junction Balagtasan-Tumakid-Junction Sengal and Junction Limook-Danit-Junction Badja provincial roads in Limitan City.

Hataman emphasized the importance of proper maintenance of the roads being used in transporting agricultural and sea products to the markets and for local and foreign travelers going to the tourist spots.

The lawmaker said the lack of funds hampers the local governments from maintaining the good condition of the roads in the province.

“Nagsisimula pa lamang bumangon ang Basilan mula sa matagal na panahon ng digmaan at karahasan. Kaya napakahalaga ng pagpapanatili ng kaayusan para sa mga daang ito, para tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng komersyo at turismo na nagbibigay kabuhayan sa mga Basileno (Basilan is just starting to rise from a long period of terror and war. That’s why it’s important to keep these roads properly maintained to ensure the continuous flow of commerce and tourism which are the main source of Basilans’ livelihood,” Hataman said. (PNA)

Photo credit: BARRM Ministry Of Public Works Official Website