More road projects completed in province to spur development in rural communities

Farm-to-market roads worth PHP72.1-million constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are seen to spur development in rural communities of two cities in Negros Occidental.

The DPWH-Western Visayas (Region 6) said the completed concrete roads include those in three barangays of San Carlos City, one in the neighboring Calatrava town in the north, and another barangay in Himamaylan City down south.

“Paving these local roads is a significant milestone in rural development. It facilitates better access to far-flung areas, ensuring safer mobility of people and cost-efficient transport of goods from farm to market,” DPWH-6 Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel said in a statement.

In San Carlos City, the 1.04-kilometer, two-lane road, with a project cost of PHP10 million, now benefits residents of Sitio Handalago in Barangay Nataban.

Also worth PHP10 million is the 600-meter, two-lane paved road in Barangay Prosperidad.

The 1.9-kilometer, two-lane road worth PHP20 million in Sitio Maragoos, Barangay Rizal, has been completed as well.

In Calatrava, the PHP20 million two-lane road project, which is 1.36 kilometers long, serves residents and farmers of the northern Negros town.

Undertaken by the DPWH Negros Occidental Sub District Engineering Office, these road projects also provide a more efficient route, addressing transportation challenges that people in remote areas face, especially during rainy days, District Engineer Juan Alfonso Jorbina Sr. said.

In Himamaylan City, the PHP12.1 million concrete road project connects Sitio Campuntong to Sitio Abud in Barangay Antonio, enhancing accessibility and transportation for farmers and residents.

The 514-lineal meter road, complemented by shoulder and slope protection in selected areas, will reduce travel time and ensure safe and efficient transport of agricultural products.

“Farmers can now travel with greater ease and convenience to reach markets, and the area will attract more economic activities and development,” Oropel said.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)