NEWS

By Rocky E. Bautista | Philippine Information Agency | May 7, 2025

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)— The improved Baybay-Narvacan Road is set to boost tourism in Sto. Tomas, La Union, providing better access to Sungyot Island.

This development addresses previously existing challenges in reaching the island, a paradise known for its long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters.

The road improvement project included the construction of a 406-meter road, 6.1 meters wide, with drainage systems to protect the road’s integrity.

The project, worth P19.2-M, was funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024 and led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) La Union Second District Engineering Office.

Construction began on February 13, 2024, and was completed on June 24, 2024.

While Sungyot Island is offshore, the upgraded road now makes the journey to the boat transfer point easier.

Tourists can now reach the docking area more quickly and conveniently from Sto. Tomas, making the trip to this getaway faster and more accessible.

Visitors to Sungyot Island can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and collecting seashells along its shores.

District engineer Gil B. Lorenzo noted the project’s wider impact.

“This road project improves transportation and accessibility and opens new doors for tourism and economic development in Sto. Tomas,” Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo also said that with better access, they are helping unlock the potential of Sungyot Island as a tourist destination.

Glena Agudera, a tourist from Rosario town, remarked on this improvement.

“This is such a nice improvement. I was here five years ago, and it was quite a challenge to reach the island. With the improved road, I am impressed, and I’m sure many others would enjoy it as much as I do,” she said.

Beyond easier travel, the improved infrastructure is expected to support sustainable tourism, enhance the quality of life for locals, and aid the overall development of Sto. Tomas.

To protect the environment and help the island grow as a tourist spot, the town regularly conducts cleanup drives, monitors water quality, and ensures proper waste disposal.

These efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water)—by keeping the island’s waters clean and its marine life safe.

With the road now operational, the municipality expects more visitors and increased economic activity.

This infrastructure upgrade is a step towards establishing Sto. Tomas as a tourism hub, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and creating new opportunities for the community.

Source: Philippine Information Agency

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