Concrete road improves access to Iloilo upland towns

Travel to the upland barangays of Leon and Alimodian in central Iloilo is now easier with the completion of a new concrete road built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The PHP 49.75-million project, funded under the FY 2024 Regular Infrastructure Program, involved the construction of a concrete road in Barangay Malublub in Leon and Barangay Abang-Abang in Alimodian.

District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said the road provides improved access to agri-tourism sites including Bucari Pine Forest and Imoy Waterfall in Leon and the “Seven Cities” in Alimodian, which are among the area’s top tourist and agricultural destinations.

“With this improvement, delivery of agricultural products from farms to the market will be faster and cost-efficient, benefiting our local farmers, making them earn more for the needs of their families,” Soriano said.

He added that the improved road condition is expected to attract more tourists to the “Seven Cities” and other key sites in the central part of Iloilo, boosting local tourism.

DPWH Region 6 officer-in-charge Director Joel F. Limpengco said the paved road passes through rice fields and agricultural land, making it especially beneficial to farmers, vegetable growers, and livestock raisers.

He said the road will allow farmers to transport products more easily, potentially improving their economic condition.

“With this improved road condition, travel time and transport cost in the delivery of agricultural products from farms to the market will be reduced,” Limpengco said.

“This will also reduce vehicle operating costs, providing more income to our farmers,” he added.

Limpengco said the project is a vital contribution to local economic growth, providing people with convenient access to basic services and livelihood opportunities for an improved quality of life. (DPWH)