Allegedly, it took 44 years to complete the insufferable national road on this eastern part of Mountain Province. It links Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis. It was long the earnest desire of people in these towns to have a good road where to experience nice vehicular ride including the socio-economic progress that will result therefrom.
Roger Sacyaten, Provincial Tourism Officer was tasked recently by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan to document the newly constructed Eagle View Deck since visitors have reportedly been flocking there to have photos by the giant eagle replica.
“We will have a distinct tourism package for these eastern towns so they will open their beautiful spots for tourism purposes,” Sacyaten commented.
A passerby who parked his car to appreciate the grandeur was quoted, saying: “Never had the rising and setting of the sun in all my travels ever allured me the way this place (where the eagle is) does. The natural beauty and tranquility of this place attest to God’s existence. It is nature at its best.”
The Eagle View Deck was constructed at the town of Barlig near the Kadaclan village, dubbed as Shangrila on the Edge by no less than former President Gloria M. Arroyo whose helicopter landed here. She said, “I was informed that many Japanese and Koreans have been coning here to spend their summer vacations at your beautiful place,”
The place is more beautiful than Kennon Road with its lion head replica. Eagle View Deck is surrounded by highly mystical mountains and bi-sected by equally deep valleys with lush-green thickly forested ecosystems, so wonderful to behold, with zig-zag roads, all the way to the towns of Paracelis and Natonin.
Evening walk at the view deck is very relaxing, The road is with solar lights and a nearby “homestay” would be inviting with the prospect of a deep or “snoring” sleep.
Engr. Fred Fiasitao of DPWH-District-1 here informed this writer that from Bontoc to Barlig Proper is 32 kns, 45 km. to Lias, 58 kms. to Kadaclan, 75 kms to Natonin, and 100 kms to Paracelis. The late Congressman Maximo Dalog, Sr. usually inspected and monitored projects on this lengthy road. And while passing Mount Amuyao’s mountainous ridge at the Mao-woy part where the view deck is found, he usually stopped in silence to admire the vast hunting grounds where native eagles abound. “Such an idyllic environment that touches the inner soul, making it yearn for eternity,” he confessed.
Last week, Barlig’s Sángguniang Bayan addressed a resolution to Gov. Lacwasan for a “phase-3 finishing touches” on the vicinity. Other amenities will follow like rest rooms and souvenir shops.
Mayor Clark Ngaya had been advocating Barlig to tourists as a “must-see” as it is also secure considering the town’s track record of being peaceful.“ We make every tourist’s trip worthwhile and we assure security which no money can buy,” the mayor added.**By Dionie Chungalan
