The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed domestic road upgrades in the municipality of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, aimed at facilitating safer and more efficient travel.
Upgrade works included the reconstruction of a 522m section of the Guimaras Circumferential Road and the paving of a 480m farm-to-market road (FMR).
The reconstructed section of the Guimaras Circumferential Road, now featuring four lanes, has been raised as a flood prevention measure.
The DPWH Guimaras District Engineering Office (DEO) has also completed the cement paving of a two-lane FMR, enhancing the transport of agricultural products to markets and businesses in the town centre.
DPWH Region 6 director Sanny Boy Oropel said: “Due to its proximity to the sea, this portion of Guimaras Circumferential Road is prone to water overflow which poses danger to motorists, especially during inclement weather. Hence, upgrading this section will ensure the safety of road users and facilitate unhampered access and delivery of basic services.”
The investments for these upgrades amounted to 32m pesos ($0.57m) and 12m pesos, respectively.
The DPWH has also paved two local road sections in Mati City and Lupon, Davao Oriental Province, to improve access for rural communities.
In Mati City, a 640m two-lane road in Barangay Tamisan now serves local farmers, featuring a lined canal and connecting to the Dahican-Lawigan road.
In Lupon, an 800m two-lane FMR has been constructed to support the agriculture-rich barangay of Bagumbayan, with a width accommodating two-way traffic.
DPWH Regional Office 11 director Juby Cordon said: “These new roads provide huge impact in the rural communities, which extends from facilitating farmers’ gateway to local markets, to giving them easier and cheaper access to healthcare, education, and other livelihood opportunities.”
The DPWH Davao Oriental 2nd DEO, led by district engineer Jane Cainghog, completed the road projects in Mati City and Lupon with a total cost of 34.12m pesos.
Earlier this year, the DPWH began construction on a sports complex at Northern Iloilo State University on Panay Island.
