High tensile wire mesh installed for road safety in highlands of central Iloilo

Traveling to the upland barangays of Leon and Alimodian towns in central Iloilo will be safer when the construction of two slope protection structures is completed.

The project is undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office.

With the collective budget of ₱177.79 million, the projects involve the construction of 100-meter high tensile wire mesh along the hazard-prone areas along Junction Bancal-Leon-Antique Road in Leon, Iloilo.

These slope protection structures are expected to be completed early next year.

As reported by OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano, DPWH 6 Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said these structures will ensure that traffic will not be hampered by possible landslide and falling debris that may be caused by softening of soil when heavy rains occur.

“These portions of the national road are very susceptible to landslide and rock fall especially when heavy rains occur, posing danger to commuters and residents, hence, this improvement is significant in order to preserve the life and properties of the people living in the area,” Bueno said.

“These (slope protection) structures will further help in the faster delivery of agricultural products from the highland barangays of Leon and Alimodian to the market; and faster delivery of medical and other basic services to the people in the far-flung areas,” Bueno added.

Meantime, OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said the projects will provide a safer travel to Bucari Pine Forest in Brgy. Bucari, Leon which is considered as the “Little Baguio” of Iloilo province and to other tourist destinations in Alimodian town like Imoy Falls and “Seven Cities” which known for organic vegetable production.

“We should ensure that our national roads especially those in the highland areas are free from falling debris and erosion to provide smooth and continuous flow of traffic, especially these days that we are experiencing series of rainfall,” Engr. Soriano said. (DPWH-6)