DPWH Completes Road Projects in Masbate, Misamis Occidental, and Ilocos Sur

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of three new road projects in Masbate, Misamis Occidental, and Ilocos Sur.

Mark Villar, DPWH Secretary, mentioned over the weekend that the department has built a new Php 30-million slope protection structure in the Tagudin-Cervantes Road in Ilocos Sur, an improved road network in Misamis Occidental, and a two-lane junction in Masbate, as reported by The Manila Times. 

Villar believes that these structures will maximize the safety of motorists during the rainy season and facilitate better accessibility to tourist destinations, particularly Layawan River in Misamis Occidental and Manta Bowl in Masbate. 

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He also stated that these infrastructural improvements will boost the rural economy of these provinces thanks to the ease of transportation of agricultural products and a bolstered tourism sector. 

DPWH is set to finish 31 road-widening projects worth a total of P1.1 billion in Region 8 this year. The department has its sights set on retrofitting several national bridges in Leyte, Biliran, and Samar.

Small projects, big impact

These efforts to improve the infrastructure of various areas in the country are in fulfillment of the current administration’s ambitious P816.2-billion Build Build Build Program launched in 2017.

Though the program is most known for big-ticket projects like the Sangley Airport in Cavite, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, and the Bonifacio Global City – Ortigas Center Link Road, there are also smaller projects such as these that are still forecasted to make a big difference.

Villar says that the 5.97-kilometer two-lane junction national road in Masbate ensures safe passage to the famous Manta Bowl diving spot. 

Citing reports from Virgilio Eduarte, DPWH Region 5 Director, Villar also mentioned that besides the positive outlook for agricultural and tourism activities, the project may serve as a venue for fitness activities and a popular photography spot, according to an article published by DPWH. 

On the other hand, the new slope protection structure built on a portion of the Tagudin-Cervantes Road is expected to stabilize the roadway and lessen incidences of roadway cuts. 

Ronnel M. Tan, DPWH Director, says that the town of Suyo in Ilocos Sur will benefit from this development as it will guarantee the safety of motorists and unobstructed delivery of produce, medical equipment, and essential services during the pandemic. 

A bright future to come for Eastern Visayas

Based on Lamudi’s forecast that projects a growing appetite for properties near infrastructure projects, the same may be expected for the areas close to these DPWH’s road projects in Eastern Visayas.

These developments improve mobility and safety, facilitate the exchange of goods, and create new job opportunities. For these reasons, as Villar noted, it’s possible that Masbate, Misamis Occidental, and Ilocos Sur may experience a boost in investor confidence and interest in property development. 

In the neighboring province of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao, Ayala Land Inc. is developing the 526-hectare Habini Bay estate. There’s also a new large-scale medical facility in Ilocos Sur that is slated for completion in the near future. It’s these kinds of investments and developments that the region will likely see more of with the improvement of infrastructure.

The construction of the Cabugao-Nueva Era-Danglas Road, the Bantay-San Ildefonso Bypass Road, and diversion roads in Vigan City and Bantay are underway, according to an article by the Philippine News Agency. 

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Other notable infrastructure investments in the area include the Heroes Bypass Road, a passageway that decongests traffic in Manila North Road, an ecotourism zone that features a 5,000-seater sports coliseum, and the improvement of evacuation centers in Brgy. Ayusan, Bucao, and Tagudin.

Just last month, the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsed thirteen more projects and programs for funding support, which included a number of upgrades to hospital facilities, the completion of provincial bridges, airports, and flood management programs, among many other proposed undertakings. 

Source: The Manila Times, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine News Agency

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Article and Photo originally posted by Lamudi last August 5, 2021.

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